Rowan and three other counties have joined for a program to get people reading “The Hunger Games” and taking part in activities related to the Suzanne Collins novel that was made into a blockbuster movie shot partly in North Carolina.
Representatives of Rowan, Cabarrus, Stanly and Union counties — which they’re calling the four “districts” after geographical divisions in the novel — are inviting people of all ages to take part in the event called “411” to stand for four districts, one book and one community. The program’s tagline is, “Read it. Do it. Survive it.”
In “The Hunger Games” — the first in a trilogy — 16-year-old heroine Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister’s place and represent her home district in the annual fight-to-the-death “hunger games.”
The 411 event includes events, contests, discussions and challenges spread across the four counties, starting Tuesday with a series of book discussions in each county and continuing with more than 50 activities over a two-month period.
In addition to a variety of book and film discussions centered on themes and genres represented in novel, other activities include survival training days, a Guinness World Record challenge, an archery demonstration, cake decorating demonstrations and corn mazes.
It will culminate with a final “survival challenge” including puzzles and physical trials Oct.13 at Cabarrus Arena and Events Center.
There are also teen-specific events for students in grades 6-12, including short film, bookmark and costume contests. Adults and teens can also enter art and writing contests.
Some events require advance registration. The entry deadline for the art contest is Wednesday. The deadline for the short film, bookmark, costume and writing contests is Sept. 14.
Here’s more information about the contests, which offer cash and other prizes and are open to residents fo the four counties:
• Art contest, deadline Wednesday. Adults and students in grades 6-12 may submit an original work of art related to themes found in “The Hunger Games,” such as survival, self-sacrifice, competition, love, personal growth, rebellion or death. Cash awards will be presented to winners.
• Bookmark contest, deadline Sept. 14. Students in grades 6-12 may design an original bookmark depicting “The Hunger Games.” Cash awards will be presented to winners.
• Costume contest, deadline Sept. 14. Students in grades 6-12 may design a costume representing the unique attributes of their county (district). Entrants must sketch the costume and include fabric swatches. Finalists from each of the four participating counties will then have an opportunity to sew and display their costumes. Cash awards will be presented to winners.
• Short film contest, deadline Sept. 14. Students in grades 6-12 may submit an original short film of up to eight minutes that embodies the themes, messages and ideas found in “The Hunger Games.” The grand prize winner or winners will win a free tour from Copperline Tours to the actual filming locations of “The Hunger Games” movie.
• Writing contest, deadline Sept. 14. Adults and students in grades 6-12 may submit an original poem or short story based on the theme “freedom.” Cash awards will be presented to winners.
For entry forms, complete contest rules and more information about “411,” visit http://411communityread.wordpress.com and www.facebook.com/411CommunityRead . Brochures are also available at your local library.