Now in its fifth year, it is a well-established community event high on Merriwa’s calendar where the main street comes alive with aliens, cowboys and Indians – and more than a few fairies. 

Merriwa Central School instructional leader and Little Sprouts coordinator Kara Allison said she was overwhelmed with the contribution from the community. 

“Merriwa is a small community but its very supportive of Little Sprouts.  

“Our theme this year was  ‘connect to reading’ and ‘reading to connect’ which is what we are trying to promote to both children and parents. 

 “It’s never too early to start reading to your children so this event is really about planting that seed to read,” she said.

“We want to encourage children to become lifelong readers from birth to adulthood.” 

Students came to school dressed in their favourite book character while 25 Merriwa businesses decorated shop fronts and read to children throughout the day. 

The program included a welcoming Aboriginal smoke ceremony performed by Dubbo artist Tyrone Hall followed by singing and dance in the School of Arts Hall and games and activities with Merriwa Central School senior students.