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
City OKs ‘Women of True Grit’ agreement
A: Main, Franklin County, News, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 29, 2026
REDBAY–The city council has approved a $12,000 agreement with Hand in Hand Entertainment and Promotions for a one-year “Edie Hand: Women of True Grit”...
Fire training center addition triples size
A: Main, Franklin County, News, ...
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
July 29, 2026
Firefighters from throughout northwest Alabama use the fire rescue training center in Florence to test their skills in realistic drills, participate i...
Allred named state tourism director
News, Z - News Main
July 29, 2026
MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced the retirement of Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell, appointing Glenda Allred in his place. Former Gov. Bo...
Colbert shelter pays off building loan
News, Z - News Main
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
July 29, 2026
TUSCUMBIA — Nearly 30 years after the Colbert County Animal Shelter borrowed money to build its current facility, the shelter has officially paid off ...
We must recommit to principles of freedom
Columnists, Opinion
July 29, 2026
Alabama’s commemoration of America’s 250th birthday was never intended to be confined to a single event, institution, or location. From the beginning,...
Fairy tale villains face day in court
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
July 29, 2026
Once upon a time, the stories told only one side. Now it’s your turn to hear the evidence. As you step inside the courtroom, you’ll see some of your f...
July Fest features food, fun and fireworks
News
By María Camp maria.camp@franklincountyimes.com 
July 29, 2026
VINA — Community members gathered Saturday at the Vina Fire Department for the annual July Fest, enjoying food, vendors, a car show, musical performan...
Hill left legacy that never left home
News, Sports
By Ella Seaton For the FCT 
July 29, 2026
Some people spend their lives trying to leave the town where they grew up. Others spend theirs making sure no one has to.For the Hill family, that hom...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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