The Big Read: Alabama Reads

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Perry County
Calendar of Events for
The Big Read

March 27, 2010

12:00 p.m.
Old Jitney Jungle parking lot to the Historic Courthouse Square

Perry County Funeral to Bury Illiteracy

Join us for a one-of-a-kind event, a funeral to bury Illiteracy in Perry County. Come march with us down Washington Street to the historic courthouse square and help us bury illiteracy and celebrate Tom Sawyer Day. Activities will include enjoying BBQ, old-fashioned games, music, and a reading of the first page of the Mark Twain classic, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

March 29, 2010

The Cub Scouts of Marion, Alabama will build a cave in the library for display during The Big Read as a service project. Come celebrate and join us in their "Cave Party" to unveil the cave in the library, and hear ghost stories told inside the cave! The Cub Scouts will also be discussing the book and how important the cave scene was to the classic tale. It will be a spooky and entertaining time! Wear your straw hat all day and win a prize if you are spotted! Marion Triad Club will hostess the event.

April 7, 2010

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Marion-Perry County Library

The Big Read: A Celebration of Funeral Foods and Customs

Join us for a book discussion about Tom Sawyer’s “funeral”, the food surrounding southern funerals, and the sometimes strange customs that we encounter at southern funerals. Discussion will include commentary on the companion book Being Dead Is No Excuse: the Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral by Gayden Metcalfe and Charlotte Hays. Bring your favorite southern “funeral” dish and your own personal stories about southern funerals for a unique dinner discussion. Please do not bring desserts. Episcopal Church Women of St. Wilfrid’s will hostess and provide drinks and desserts.

April 14, 2010

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Marion-Perry County Library

The Big Read: The Underbelly of the Gilded Age

April 21, 2009

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Judson College

The Big Read: The Delinquency of Tom Sawyer

Join us for an intriguing book discussion of how we view Tom Sawyer, the character. Is he a delinquent, is he endearing? We will answer these questions and many more at our discussion. This discussion will be moderated by a panel of literature instructors.

April 22, 2010
Time TBD
Marion Military Institute Fine Arts Building
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer: A Play

The Theater Department at Marion Military Institute will present Tom Sawyer: A Play in honor of The Big Read in Perry County. Come enjoy the theater arts for our final week of The Big Read in Perry County.


April 24, 2010

12 noon – 4:00 p.m.

Historic Courthouse Square

The Big Read: Muckle’s Ridge Festival

The Muckle’s Ridge Festival is a celebration of new and old in historic Marion, Alabama. Come join us at the Historic Perry County Courthouse Square for a celebration of the Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns.  Friday night will entertain with a concert under the starts with Ruins Restored, County Road 4, and Chevy 6, an eclectic blend of rock, country, and oldies bands to fill the night air with music!

Saturday’s festivities will include the dedication of an historic marker commemorating the original founding of Marion as Muckle’s Ridge and its unique history, hot air balloon races, arts and crafts vendors, unique food vendors, horse and buggy rides, a cake walk, children’s games and activities, and Mark Twain Day – an Alabama Big Read celebration for all ages.