In Bullitt County students are deficient in reading.  In elementary and middle schools proficiency is around 43% and in high school that drops to 34%.  In an effort to improve reading across the county, we want to bridge the summer gap and encourage all students to use the Public Library and participate in summer reading programs.

This year we partnered with the Bullitt County Public Library in the Summer Quest Kick Off Festival.  Extension was represented by the Horticulture Program, the Bullitt County Beekeeper's Association and the Bullitt County 4H Program.  Other partners included: Bullitt County Tourism, Louisville Water Company, Smokey the Bear story time with the Kentucky Division of Forestry,  Friends of the Bullitt County Public Library, Dream Express Book Bus, Bullitt County Chess League, Honey Hill Farm and others.

There were many stations to participate in at the festival.  A petting zoo, story walk, face painting, crafts, STEM stations, giant chess, coloring, educational activities, etc.

Participants were from all ages in the community but the target audience were youth from our community and anyone that wants to learn and get involved with reading.  According to the library, 1650 community members participated in the event.  We had about 325 participants in our booth activity, making herbal sachets.