The Florida Capitol is getting ready for one of the high points that comes during the annual legislative session: Children’s Week.
Hundreds of kids, their families and service providers from across the state descend on Tallahassee for the event, hosted by the Children’s Forum, to advocate, network and have fun.
Thousands of pieces of “hand art” created by Florida school children hang in the rotundas of the Capitol in recognition of Children’s Week Monday, March 25, 2019.
The highlight is the thousands of painted hand cut-outs that hang in the building’s rotunda, created by students across the state – a reminder to lawmakers of the impact their decisions have on Florida’s children.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Last year’s scene, according to the Democrat, included “bubbles blown through the air (as) children paraded through the courtyard singing, dancing and playing games.”
Here’s a rundown of the major events:
Advocacy Dinner and Awards Ceremony
At the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, Monday, Feb. 23, 5–8 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Coy Bowles, child book author & Zan Brown band guitarist; Chiles Advocate Award Recipient: Ted Granger, former CEO of United Way Florida; Impact Advocate Award Recipient: Virginia Jacko, CEO of Miami Lighthouse Academy; Youth Advocate Award Recipient: Clint John, Jr., Executive Director of Virtutem Populo, Inc.
Children’s Day Storybook Village and Storybook Garden
On the South Plaza, Tuesday, Feb. 24, starting at 10 a.m.
Featuring local celebrities from FSU and FAMU, as well as legislators reading to kids in the Capitol Courtyard Plaza.
Teen Day
At the Old Capitol, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Nearly 100 youth from school districts statewide will spend the day hearing from legislators and learning more about Florida’s history and legislative process.
Advertisement
Advertisement
For more information, send an email to info@thechildrensforum.com.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Children’s Week brings painted hands, story time to Florida Capitol