Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
8:40 pm Wednesday, August 21, 2002

Children's author visits mall

By Staff
Special to The Star
Aug. 21, 2002
Best-selling children's author Richard Scarry will bring his Busytown storybook series to life Saturday at Bonita Lakes Mall.
The 2002 Richard Scarry's Busytown Express Tour will bring a variety of kid-designed activities to the mall. Activities will include a participatory musical revue, storybook readings, wall murals for coloring, a chance to help build the world's largest wooden toy train and a themed photo opportunity.
Thanks to Bonita Lakes Mall and a partnership with Coca Cola USA, Huckle Cat and Hilda Hippo will entertain families with a free fun-filled day of musical shows and meet-and-greets. Show times are 11 a.m., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. in the J.C. Penney-McRae's court area.
A 25-minute meet-and-greets will also take place twice during the day. Times will be determined and posted at the mall's Web site, http://www.bonitalakesmall.com, once they are set.
The Busytown Express Tour features a variety of Busytown-inspired activities for children and parents to enjoy together including the following:
The Busytown Theatre: Huckle Cat, Hilda Hippo and Lowly Worm are featured in this musical review, which includes four songs from the popular Nick Jr. series, and focuses on learning and safety.
Storytime Readings: Throughout each appearance day, Busytown ambassadors will read stories from The Busy World of Richard Scarry.
The Busytown Train Station: In conjunction with Brio, maker of the beloved wooden toy train line, the tour offers children the chance to help build the world's longest train.
Busytown Art Shoppe: Murals featuring scenes from Busytown will be available as a fun coloring opportunity.
The Busytown General Store: Visitors can sit and watch their favorite Busytown video, and browse a variety of Busytown products.
Bonita Lakes Mall is owned and managed by CBL &Associates Properties, Inc. the largest owner of malls and shopping centers in the Southeast. The company has 160 shopping centers in 25 states.

Also on Franklin County Times
Hill addresses challenges before congressional panel
Main, News, Russellville, ...
SMALL WATER SYSTEM
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Eric Hill, general manager of the Russellville Water and Sewer Board, traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to speak before Congress ...
Phil Campbell adopts buildings ordinance
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
March 4, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — Town councilmembers have approved a buildings ordinance which establishes requirements for inspections, notices, hearings and enforcem...
Bendall takes regional role at UNA
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
March 4, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Dr. Natalie Bendall has accepted a regional in-service center director’s role at the University of North Alabama. In her new position a...
Tax season brings relief for workers
Columnists, Opinion
March 4, 2026
Americans across the country are preparing for tax season as W-2s make their way to everyone’s mailboxes. People often compare filling out their tax f...
GFWC clubs support parks system
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
March 4, 2026
When our GFWC Book Lovers Study Club met recently, we focused on something that belongs to all Americans -- the National Park Service. Patricia Cox, c...
Bishop, McCulloch lead RHS softball to 4-1 start
High School Sports, Russellville Golden Tigers, Sports
Brannon King For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Russellville varsity softball team successfully opened the 2026 season with a 4-0 start before falling in the fifth game of the week. The Lady Gol...
Belgreen wins 4 of 5
Belgreen Bulldogs, High School Sports, Sports
Bart Moss For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Belgreen Bulldogs are off to a hot start under new veteran coach Jonathan Raper. After dropping their opener to Dora, the Bulldogs won four straig...
RHS loses 4 in Showdown
High School Sports, News, Russellville Golden Tigers, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Russellville High baseball team defeated the Hatton Hornets in the home opener, then lost four games in the PB South Alabama Showdown. RHS hosted ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *