SunLit Festival on the Deuces!

BY DEE E. USES, Contributor

ST. PETERSBURG – From April 7-22, St. Petersburg experienced the 4th annual SunLit Festival, which is a confederation of like-minded literary, cultural and civic organizations coordinating their individual efforts for the common goal of advancing the enjoyment of books, reading, writing and the classic art of letterpress printing.

Literary and other arts and cultural circles intersect during the SunLit Festival, which is also a springtime celebration of the written word. This year’s festival brought together more than 35 various organizations and arts disciplines to celebrate literacy, literature, reading and writing for days of intoxicating “litertainment” and just plain fun.

Literature represents a moment in time. It is an exploration of our history, an expression of our experiences and of the life that surrounds us. It is a discussion of who we are, how we got that way and what choices we can make to shape our future.

The SunLit Festival hosted events throughout the entire city, including a few on and around the Deuces. One of the first events was hosted by Pathfinder Outdoor Education Center, 1310 22nd Ave, S. There was an Open Tree Climb celebrating books, trees and books about trees and other book-themed activities for readers of all ages.

Some of the readers climbed to read in the canopy of a gorgeous live oak. Cultured Books, owned by Lorielle Hollaway, led a book group discussion on “The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind” written by William Kamkwamba.

The PRIDE Festival hosted a launch party April 12 featuring “The Story of Harvey Milk” and the Rainbow Flag at the Arts Exchange of the Warehouse Arts District, located at 515 22nd St. S.

Friends of the Deuces Latrece Bonner, Leigh Davis and Veatrice Farrell were victorious at the Adult Spelling Bee for Grown-Ups last Saturday. The trio beat out seven other teams to claim the crown.

At this event, teams of adults competed to determine the best spellers in St. Petersburg in this fourth annual fundraiser to support the Literacy Council of St. Petersburg.

And the Carter G. Woodson Museum, 2240 9th Ave. S, hosted “An Intersection of History and Home: Life on the Deuces” last Saturday. This powerful event was presented by Kitchen Table Literary Arts in partnership with Cultured Books to explore the rich and essential history of 22nd Street South.

Please keep your eyes and ears open for the Friends of the Johnson Library youth spelling, math and geography bees this summer!