Target sponsors storytelling

Don't catch a chill - chill out at the Aquarium of Niagara throughout February. It's time for the annual storytellers' visits, sponsored by Target.

Beginning Feb. 5, a different storyteller will share a tale or two in his own special way. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult.

The first storyteller will be Annemarie Jason, an annual Aquarium visitor, who literally pulls her tales out of her "story hat." Her stories involve music, action, puppets and rhymes. She and the other three tellers of tales will appear at 11:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. each Saturday.

Feb. 12 will feature Mr. Beau the Clown, Pat Donohue. The performance includes him putting his clown makeup on as he turns into a clown that juggles, tells jokes, does magic and puppetry. He also makes balloon animals in advance to be given away as participants leave the Aquarium.

Donohue believes if the children see him become a clown in front of them, they will not be afraid and will see that he is not a scary person, but just a funny guy dressed as a clown.

On Feb. 19, Big Mamma Boo, also known as Yvonne Harris, will share a true tale about Harriet Tubman, who guided slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad. 

The final story date is Feb. 26, when The Wondermakers, a traveling troupe, perform story theater, fables and folktales.

All the storytellers will be in the second level Community Room. Aquarium members are free and regular admission rates will be in effect for non-members: adults, $10; $6 for children and free for age 2 and under. No reservations are needed. For more information, call 285-3575, ext. 206.