11th annual Venice Bible Read-a-Thon scheduled for October – Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Earle Kimel|Sarasota Herald-Tribune

VENICE After a six-month delay, the 11th annual Venice Bible Read-a-Thon is scheduled to return to the gazebo at Centennial Park, Oct. 3-7, despite the fact that the city of Venice is not currently issuing permits for public events because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The marathon, 90-hour reading of the King James Bible was one of several spring special events canceled because of COVID-19 concerns, but organizers feel that the reading can proceed safely within social distancing guidelines.

We do not want to wait until 2021, that would have skipped a year, said Sandy Black, one of the read-a-thon organizers.

Some of the concessions include the elimination of opening ceremonies that feature speakers and local church praise teams.

About 50 churches and organizations come together to make the marathon reading possible.

The group considered the possibility of hosting the Bible reading on private property, or even virtually, but decided that the virtual reading would not meet one of their missions.

If we do it virtually its not going to be in a public place, Black said. We feel its important to read his word publicly.

The Read-a-Thon was started by Susan Nartowicz, along with Karla Roy and Kathy Bolam, both of whom have since passed away.

The three started the marathon Bible reading after learning of one in Stuart. For the first three years, it was hosted at Patriots Park. Since then it has called the gazebo at Centennial Park home.

The city of Venice is still not granting special event permits and several traditional events have been sidelined for 2020, including the Womens Sertoma Sun Fiesta and the Venice Holiday Parade.

But city officials said that that does not forbid the read-a-thon from occurring, as long as social-distancing protocols are followed, and there is no amplification.

Black has been working with Assistant City Manager Len Bramble on available options and the Oct. 3-7 dates were actually selected because those dates were free at the gazebo in Centennial Park though the gazebo has been technically closed since May for repairs.

Black said the group will bring its own tents and set up accordingly, if need be,

We plan to bring our own tents and we know what parameters we have to fit into, Black said.

City spokeswoman Lorraine Anderson noted that people can usethe public park without a permit, providing theyre appropriately socially distanced.

In June a public candlelight vigil in remembrance of George Floyd and dealing with social justice concerns occurred at West Blalock Park, though no permit was issued.

The read-a-thon is actively recruiting volunteers to read passages. The best way to sign up is actually online at venice.biblereadathon.org, where its possible to pick a specific available reading slot.

They can log on and select a time, its a real easy reservation system, Black said. It helps us to keep people socially distanced.

Most read for about 15 minutes, though many in the late night/early morning slots double up.

One can also call Black at 941-702-2000 as well.

For nine years, then-mayor John Holic read a proclamation honoring the Bible reading, and frequently opened the event by reading Genesis.

Holic, who found out about the read-a-thon Monday, said a birthday celebration for his grandchildren means he will not be able to attend the opening days, but he plans to continue his personal tradition of reading a passage.

I cant be there for the start like usual but I definitely will sign up, Holic said.

Read this article:
11th annual Venice Bible Read-a-Thon scheduled for October - Sarasota Herald-Tribune