Businesses in Abilene prepare for CALF

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Businesses in Abilene are preparing for the Children’s Art and Literacy Festival (CALF).

Every year, CALF, as it is often referred to, strives to bring interactive and educational experiences to children all over the Big Country.

For three days, the festival is held downtown in Abilene’s Cultural District, where thousands of children and parents fill the streets to take part in dozens of events, readings, and activities.

Even though weather can impact some events, The Grace Museum’s Director of Education, Kathryn Mitchell, says they make plans to adapt to any weather.

“We are preparing a lot for if we have any kind of rain this year, so we have all kinds of tents prepared for the rain. Don’t let that hold you back. If you want to come on Friday, come on that day, even if it looks like rain. We’re also preparing with the street closures. So we’ve got ways that you can get around The Grace that’s still very mobile.

Arlene Kasselman, the owner of the bookstore Seven and One Books, discussed her preparation plans for CALF with KTAB/KRBC.

“We are super prepared for CALF and have restocked our kids’ books. We are standing by nonfiction now and science comics. All those fun things, we’ve got picture books, in fact, we’ve got some of Matt Phelan’s. We try not to stock too many because we want to support the NCCIL with their work,” shared Kasselman.

The Children’s Art and Literacy Festival is this Thursday, June 12, through Saturday, June 14. With a fourth day held on Sunday – CALF at the Zoo! – Featuring story readings and animal encounters.