Cold weather and drizzle didn’t put a damper on “The Big Read” kickoff, which took place Tuesday morning in the Crenshaw County Courthouse.

The event was originally scheduled for the front steps of the courthouse, but it was moved inside because of the weather.

Many local officials were present, including Luverne mayor Joe Rex Sport, Brantley mayor Bernie Sullivan and state representative Charles Newton, who all read excerpts from Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” and County Commission chairman Ronnie Hudson read a proclamation declaring the day “Tom Sawyer Day.”

Twain’s tale about a young boy is the chosen book for this year’s reading event.

There will be other activities throughout the next month, culminating in a performance of “Mark Twain’s America” by Will Stutts at the Luverne United Methodist Church’s Dei Center on March 9.

That event is co-sponsored by the Luverne Public Library and the Brantley Public Library, and tickets are on sale for $25 each, which includes a catered dinner.