The 10th Annual Children’s Art & Literacy Festival is a two and a half day event that kicks off Thursday night with free activities. The costume contest starts at 4 p.m. The Storybook Parade is at 5:30 p.m. down Cypress Street. At the Convention Center, we will unveil the newest addition to the Storybook Sculpture Project followed by a Garden Party with food trucks and “Sketch with Sophie” event at Paramount Theatre.

The 10th CALF will celebrate the work of Summer 2022 NCCIL illustrator and author Sophie Blackall and it will celebrate the past decade of festival honorees and their books and characters. Sophie’s original artwork will be on display at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in downtown Abilene.

No festival pass required for Thursday.