Big Read Kickoff: "Hat-titude Stroll"

The Big Read, the community-wide reading initiative returns this year with Zora Neale Hurston’s vibrant and achingly human novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God and kicks off on First Friday, February 6th.

The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a “Hat-titude” Stroll around downtown Brunswick. Participants are asked to come out wearing their favorite chapeau in honor of Zora Neale Hurston, who was well-known for her stylish hats, and stroll downtown Brunswick to celebrate the start of the Big Read. Stop by the Ritz to have your picture taken and shared on the big screen in the auditorium.

While at the Ritz, view Cultural Expressions 2015. The exhibit, which will continue through Feb. 28, features approximately 60-pieces by local and regional African-American artists. Big Read exhibits will also open at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library: Coastal GA Quilts on Display, a exhibition by The Georgia Coastal Quilt Guild that pays homage to the Little read selection, Tar Beach, and EYES, BUD & TAR: Student Big Read Showcase featuring works by local K-12 artists inspired by the Big, Middle, and Little Read titles.

In addition, First Friday strollers will also have the opportunity to make a square to add to the “Paper Quilt” that will be displayed at the library; find all the “eyes” in downtown locations and enter the drawing for tickets to the Tribute to Duke Ellington and the Harlem Renaissance Concert; even make a “blinking” eye to watch over you during The Big Read.

At 7:30 p.m., a free screening of Their Eyes Were Watching God, starring Halle Berry, will be shown at The Ritz.