The 9th annual Children's Art & Literacy Festival celebrating the summer artist on display at the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature is a two and a half day event where books come to life. Enjoy fun activities nearly 20 venues in downtown Abilene as we celebrate the books and characters of Loren Long. Registration opens in February at www.abilenecalf.com.

Friday schedule (pass required):

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Loren Long Art Exhibition

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cookie Decorating

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Abilene Philharmonic's Instrument Petting Zoo

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Train Rides

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Face Painting

9 a.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Palette of Purpose Chalk Art

9 a.m. Balloon & Magic Show
9-11 a.m. Loren Long Book Signing

9:45 a.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities

9:50 a.m. Joe McDermott Music

10 a.m.-3 p.m. May Farm Petting Zoo

10:30 a.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities

11 a.m. Balloon & Magic Show

11:15 a.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities

11:45 a.m. Farm Friends Storytime

12 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities

12 p.m. Joe McDermott Music

12:30 p.m. Farm Friends Storytime

12:45 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities

1 p.m. Balloon & Magic Show

1:30 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities

1:50 p.m. Joe McDermott Music

2:15 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities

3 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities

3 p.m. Balloon & Magic Show
3:45 p.m. Dramatic Readings & Art Activities

6 p.m. Movie at Paramount

6:30 p.m. NCCIL dinner with Lore Long (registration required)