Irmo, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson concluded the year’s Story-time in the Park at Moore Park, promoting community connections and youth engagement through reading. The event attracted local children and featured storytelling, coloring, and giveaways. Danielson emphasized the joy of interacting with families, reflecting a commitment to accessibility. Looking ahead, the next Story-time event is scheduled for July 8, promising additional activities like face painting and refreshments for kids and their families.
Irmo – On Tuesday morning, Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson hosted the final installment of Story-time in the Park for the year at Moore Park, providing local children with an opportunity to enjoy stories read by their mayor. The initiative aims to foster community connections and encourage youth engagement through storytelling.
Approximately six children attended the last event, where Mayor Danielson interacted with them by asking questions and creating a lively atmosphere. Since taking office in 2023, Danielson has made this initiative a priority, viewing it as an avenue to connect with families within the Irmo community. He emphasized the joy found in the interactions and the fulfillment he experiences when participating in these sessions.
Story-time in the Park is an effort inspired by Lexington Mayor Hazel Livingston’s concept to promote community ties. Alongside Danielson, the mayors of Lexington and Chapin also participate in similar events once a month, reading books to children in their local parks. This initiative not only entertains but also seeks to promote reading and literacy among young children.
During the event, families were excited to engage with the experiences provided, including stories, coloring activities, and giveaways from the local library. Stephenie Helland, a resident from Columbia, reported that her children particularly enjoyed the stories, expressing interest in coming back for future events. Danielson’s efforts are reflective of a broader commitment among local leaders to be accessible and engage with their youth.
For those interested in following this initiative, Mayor Danielson is set to host the next Story-time in the Parks event on July 8 at Moore Park. Besides reading, there are plans for added activities like face painting and refreshments including cookies and water, aimed at enhancing the experience for children and their families.
Chapin Mayor Albert Koon also shares his enthusiasm for the series, looking at it as an opportunity to promote literacy within Lexington County. Although Koon’s initial Story-time in the Park was canceled due to rain, he is scheduled to have his next reading on June 14. Overall, these events are designed to encourage young children to read and engage with their communities in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Information about upcoming events may be found on the Lexington County civic alerts website, as local leaders continue to foster connections that enrich the lives of families within the community.
FAQ Section
What is Story-time in the Park?
Story-time in the Park is an event where local mayors read stories to children in community parks, aimed at promoting reading and fostering community engagement.
When is the next Story-time in the Park event?
The next Story-time in the Park event hosted by Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson is on July 8 at Moore Park.
Who participates in Story-time in the Park?
The mayors of Irmo, Lexington, and Chapin participate in Story-time in the Park by reading to children in their registered parks once a month.
What activities are included in these events?
In addition to storytelling, the events may include activities such as coloring, face painting, and refreshments like cookies and water.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Story-time in the Park |
| Location | Moore Park, Irmo |
| Attendees | Approximately 6 children |
| Organizer | Mayor Bill Danielson |
| First Event | Attendance of 6 children |
| Next Event Date | July 8 |
| Additional Activities | Coloring, face painting, refreshments |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Story-time in the Park with Irmo’s Mayor
- Wikipedia: Community Engagement
- Post and Courier: Lexington, Chapin, Irmo Mayors’ Storytime in Parks
- Google Search: Storytelling Events
- ABC Columbia: Local Living with Nate Bargatze
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literacy
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
