By Steve Malcom, Reporter

steve@southerntorch.com

----------

FORT PAYNE, ALA.--The fourth annual Pete the Cat Day, sponsored by Fort Payne Main Street was held Saturday, August 6 at the Coal and Iron building. 

James Dean the creator of Pete the Cat children’s character and the author of many of the Pete the Cat books was onsite to visit and sign Pete merchandise to over 700 fans. 

Families from as far away as Louisiana and South Carolina enjoyed art activities including face painting, drawing, building a Pete Banjo, book readings, and more.  Merchants in downtown Fort Payne also got involved with activities at their businesses. 

Dean, a Fort Payne native, who now lives in Athens, Georgia came up with the idea of the feline character in 1999.  In 2006, along with writer Eric Litwin, they published the first book called “The Misadventures of Pete the Cat”.

In 2011, his wife Kimberly started writing with him and they now have over 60 books. 

Connie Fuller, Fort Payne Main Street Director, said the idea of Pete the Cat Day was part of an idea to recognize people from Fort Payne that has been successful but have not forgotten their hometown. 

Pete the Cat Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in August.