One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, Cat in the Hat and all of that were guests at Payne Elementary parade this week.

Students trailed down the hallways of the school Thursday dressed as characters for the of famous Dr. Seuss characters featured in the rhyming author’s books in celebration of Read Across America. Known for his rhyming style of writing children’s books, Dr. Seuss’ birthday is often celebrated in unison with the Read Across America created by the National Education Association to encourage kids to read regularly.

“We want to know develop that love for reading, to know that books do come alive,” Payne Elementary School Principal Taurus Smith said.

The school has been celebrating Read Across America and Mardi Gras all week by designing poster, creating “I Love Reading” crowns, making Mardi Gras masks and more.

Each class chose a Dr. Seuss book from which they would choose characters to represent in the parade.

Smith said she the children had been anticipating the parade all week. Many would share with Smith the characters they were excited about representing and the creations they had made for the festive occasion.

The fun spirit of the parade was evident as the sound of children’s giggles echoed throughout the hallway Thursday. Smith said parade, which has been conducted once before, would remain as a regular annual event at Payne Elementary.