Activities Coloring Pages Word Puzzles Word Treasures Return to the Story
Read by Anita Rodgers
The village of Red Haven was a wonderful home for cats and dogs. They were loved by the people. As long as they were well-behaved, the cats and dogs were free to roam the streets, docks, and waters around Breakers Island.
It was a cold day. Callie, a large white cat, was sleeping on the window seat. She was warm in the morning sun. She woke to the sound of people in the village square. Now Callie was curious. She raised her head to listen. The sounds were getting louder. Then she rested her front paws on the window and looked out.
Callie watched fishermen hang the sea signal flags. She saw a large banner that read, “Seafood Festival.” Callie could also see long strings of firecrackers hanging on tree limbs. She heard the dogs bark, “Woof, woof, woof.” News of the Seafood Festival spread quickly through the village of Red Haven.
Stacks of wood were placed in fire pits. The fires were lit to keep the people warm. More fishermen arrived and set up cooking stations. In no time, the smell of cooked whitefish and shellfish filled the air.
Callie’s nap time was over. Today was special. It was time to go and find her good friend, Clover. He was a small, white cat with a black patch of fur that looked like a three-leaf clover. Clover had found a good home at Sue’s Supply Store. Sue loved the tiny kitten at first sight and believed that Clover brought her good luck.
Callie left home and headed to Sue’s Supply Store. She saw Clover was waiting for her. Clover said, “It’s about time you got here. I’m hungry. I just saw Kelly go by with Farmer John.”
Callie said, “Don’t’ worry. We will get all the fish we can eat. Let’s go find Kelly.”
Clover said, “That’s what I’m talking about. I want fish, fish, and more fish.”
Kelly, a yellow tabby cat, lived with Farmer John. She loved to visit the village of Red Haven. Callie and Clover saw Kelly sitting on a bench.
Clover said, “Hi Kelly. Where is Belle?”
Kelly said, “Belle did not come. She stayed at home to watch over the farm. Belle said it was too loud and hurt her ears.” The cats liked Belle, even though she was a dog.
The Mayor walked into the village square and said, “Welcome to the Seafood Festival! We are here to celebrate our fishermen. We are proud of the work they do for Breakers Island.” All the people cheered and clapped for the fishermen. It didn’t matter if it was a good year or a bad year. They always worked hard and took pride in their work.
Then the food was served. The cats sat under the tables as the people ate their fill of seafood. The cats purred in happiness as the people fed them pieces of fish.
Drums began to beat loudly. Children carried tall poles with pictures of boats, whales, fish, and seashells. The people clapped for the children as they marched to the beat of the drums.
The darkness of night was near. It was time to light the firecrackers. Bright sparks flew in all directions.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
More firecrackers popped. Smoke filled the village square.
Callie said to Kelly and Clover, “Let’s call it a day. I’m ready to go.” They could hear the dogs howl in agreement.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Fireworks burst overhead. The people cheered.
Callie ran from the village Square. Clover and Kelly were right behind her. They did not stop until they reached Sue’s Supply Store.
Kelly sat and licked her paws. She said. “I’m so full I could pop like a firecracker.”
Clover said, “Me too. This Seafood Festival was even better than last year.” Callie smiled because Clover said the same thing every year.
The people gathered near the fire pits to stay warm. They watched the fireworks in the night sky. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful light show over the Sugar Sea.
Callie said good night to her friends. At home, she curled up to sleep on the window seat. Outside her window, the sea signal flags blew in the wind.
Activities Coloring Pages Word Puzzles Word Treasures Return to the Story
We are here to celebrate our Fishermen.