September 13, 2004

Charleston (SC) Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. led the community in its participation of "First Day 2004" events on August 8th and 9th. This is the second year for "First Day" events that focus on teachers, students and parents. The "First Day Initiative" for 2004 included a Festival on Sunday, August 8th and then encouraged parents to take their children to school on the first day of school the next day.

The celebration began at Liberty Square in front of the South Carolina Aquarium on Sunday with over 6,000 attendees. Liberty Square's beautiful green space offered a perfect location for various games, a "moon bounce" for children and a stage live entertainment ranging from local high school bands to folk music. Vendors were on location handing out free food, drinks and donuts.

Riley said of the events, "What a great opportunity for students, parents and teachers to celebrate the beginning of a new school year. The support from businesses and agencies has been a true testament to the commitment this community feels about public education and the future of our young people. Our First Day Initiative was so successful last year that we worked hard to extend this winning tradition in the community. It gets parents, students and teachers off to a great start from day one."

Riley spent Sunday afternoon interacting with children and parents. He hosted Mayor Riley's Reading Corner, an area where he could read and talk to children. To further promote the importance of reading, the mayor passed out personally signed bookmarks encouraging children to "Read!"

Sixty-two exhibitors occupied booths at the Festival and handed out free school supplies and information on student support services. Over 200 volunteers donated their time to the Festival. The day was a result of a partnership between the mayor and the city of Charleston, Charleston County Schools, and local businesses. The events left both parents and children ready and eager to start the school year the next day. Many local businesses offered time off to their employees with children so they could take their children to school on the first day and many schools offered First Day programs for the parents.

For the second year in a row, Riley spent the first day visiting schools, and interacting with students and teachers. These visits demonstrated to parents, teachers and students the mayor's commitment to education.

The future for the event is firm that is good news for students and parents. Yet no one appears more excited about next year's First Day events than Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. himself, who after 29 years as mayor is still as excited as ever about the importance of a good education.