The Demopolis Public Library held a party Monday to celebrate the end of its summer reading program.

Children were rewarded for participating in this year’s program, which was called “Fizz, Boom, Read.”

The event took place at the Public Square in downtown Demopolis.

Children’s Director Kelly Tarpley began the event by telling everyone what to expect and introduced the Demopolis Fire Department, who spoke to kids about fire safety and how to be safe over the Fourth of July weekend.

Firefighter Terry Pope told children to be sure they have a parent, older sibling or guardian present with them during the holiday, especially around firworks.

“We just want you to be safe,” Pope said.

Pope and Captain Karl Hale showed off the fire truck and handed out fire safety information and red hats for the “junior” fighters

Pope congratulated the children for their participation in the summer reading program.

“What a wonderful thing to do, to read and broaden your vocabulary,” Pope said. “Keep feeding your mind. It’s all going to pay off in the long run.”

Each child received a certificate for their participation in the program, food donated from Foster Farms and Vowell’s, a number of freebies and chances to win more prizes.

Musical entertainment was provided by local singer and guitarist Drew Tucker, who kept the kids enthused as they played on the slide, ate hot dogs, got their faces painted, checked out on the fire truck and had an all around great time.

The children at the event received bracelets, toys and other trinkets at the party and towards the end Tarpley began calling the names of the children who read the most during the program.

Silas Mason won a $25 Amazon Gift Card provided by Friends of the Library.

Marshaun Foster and Mary Helen Compton each received a $25 gift cards from Parr’s Chevron.

Kaderia Williams won the Kindle Paper White for reading a total of 519 books.

No kid left this event single handed. After the winners of the Kindle and gift cards were announced, tickets were drawn for more prizes.

Library Director Morgan Allen said that the library saw 184 kids come out and read with them this summer.

The library saw 275 children and teens register and 184 of those register and read. The total attendance for the children’s programs was 1,173.

The library had 24 adults register for their Adult Summer Reading Program.

For more information on events going on at the library visit them at 211 East Washington Street or call Allen at (334) 289-1595.