BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Hundreds of families braved cold, soaking rains Saturday to celebrate “Be My Neighbor Day” at the Bethlehem Area Public Library.
More than 700 people registered for PBS39’s annual community-building event and celebration of kindness in honor of Mr. Rogers’ birthday, and most showed up despite the late-winter weather, according to PBS39 Events Director Lucia Gajda.
“I’m a little shocked at how many people still came out,” Gajda said. “It’s been incredible and tremendous to see how game everybody is to still come.”
PBS39’s “Be My Neighbor Day” is “a day of sharing kindness and learning about your neighbors,” Gajda said.
PBS39 is run by Lehigh Valley Public Media, the parent organization of LehighValleyNews.com.
“Just getting to see the kids be this excited, this engaged, while giving these kinds of opportunities for our partners (to engage), it’s why I work at PBS39."Lucia Gajda, PBS39 events director
Bethlehem police, firefighters and city officials met with kids and their parents inside the library as Lolly Hopwood entertained scores more with music and interactive activities.
This year’s event also celebrated literacy as an official partner of the Lehigh Valley Book Festival. Several children’s authors met with kids and parents on the second floor of the library, where PBS characters Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat posed for photos.
Saturday’s four-hour celebration was the culmination of “months and months and months of work” by PBS39’s educational team, Gajda said.
“It’s really an amazing day; it’s my favorite day of the year.”Lucia Gajda, PBS39 events director
She said the annual event “brings joy” to her and her entire team.
“Just getting to see the kids be this excited, this engaged, while giving these kinds of opportunities for our partners (to engage), it’s why I work at PBS39,” Gajda said.
“It’s really an amazing day; it’s my favorite day of the year.”
Porsha Santiago and her 4-year-old son Ayven Dixon-Young fought through the rain Saturday to celebrate “Be My Neighbor Day” after Ayven enjoyed last year’s event.
“It was rough to get him up this morning to come out, but he’s here and he’s excited,” Santiago said.
“Be My Neighbor Day” is “a great opportunity for kids to come together” and meet police and firefighters, as well as some of their favorite characters, she said.
Santiago said she appreciated that the celebration is “open to all kids,” with many other children’s events geared to a slightly older crowd.
“It’s just nice to have your little one to be able to be included,” Santiago said.
