Pucker up for Wilber and LTR

It’s time once again to pucker up to a porker.

Learn to Read of St. Johns County is conducting its annual Kiss the Pig contest, with this year’s winner – the team making the most money – kissing an adorable little piglet, Wilbur, provided by J.B. Coomes during the March 31-April 2 Rhythm and Ribs Festival, sponsored by Sunrise Rotary Club.

The winner will be announced during the afternoon of the April 1 event. Rhythm and Ribs, featuring six barbecue experts from around the country, is staged at Francis Field. Highlights of the three-day festival include entertainment, artists and craftsmen, good food and lots of events for the children.

This year’s Kiss the Pig teams include Dancing with Victoria, Victoria Lane; Golfer’s Team, Rick Ezequelle, chairman; Publix Team – Corn Hold Contest, Kathy and Jim Lobinsky, Meredith Pearson; St. Augustine Lighthouse, Sid Ansbacher, chairman; St. Johns Association of Women Lawyers, Maxine McChesney, chairman; St. Johns River State College, Dr. Edward Jordan, Mark Breidenstein, co-chairmen; Student ESOL Team, Joe Cinney, chairman; Team Lincolnville, Robin Borland, Rhonda Dunn, Tom Torretta, chairs. Votes may be cast on line at http://www.LearnToReadStJohns.org or mailed to 70 S. Dixie Hwy., St. Augustine, Fl. 32084.

Votes are tax deductible.

Prior to the April 1 grand finale, a Pig-Out Party for LTR is being presented by Cowan Financial Group at the home of Cary and Judi Cowan, 3873 Hickory Lane, March 24 at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are limited. Call 904-826-0011 to RSVP. The event is $10 per person; $3 for wine, $2 for beer, will count as votes for teams.

MARDI GRAS

Feb. 28 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Mardi Gras Sports Bar, 123 San Marco Ave., will be the setting for a Learn to Read fundraiser . Donation is $20 per person. Call 904-0011 for details.

A 50/50 raffle will be conducted as part of the evening’s celebration. Tickets are $10 per person.

For additional details go to http://www.LearnToReadStJohns.Org.

Learn to Read is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The volunteer-based organization provides free literacy skills assessment and instruction to underserved people in St. Augustine and surrounding cities. In addition to one-on-one literacy tutoring, Learn to Read has recently expanded its services throughout the county to help people learn English as a second language (ESOL) through personal tutoring and group conversation courses.