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.

Thursday schedule (events are free):

4-5:30 p.m. Costume Contest in the Elks Arts Center

5-8 p.m. Loren Long art exhibit is open and free at the NCCIL

5:30-6 p.m. Storybook Parade down Cypress Street

6:15-6:30 p.m. Storybook Sculpture Unveiling: Otis the tractor

6:30 p.m. Otis’s Putt Puff Puttedy Party in the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden with entertainment and food trucks

7-8:40 p.m. Artist Talk and Book Signing with Loren Long at Paramount Theatre