Fans of Herman Melville’s famous novel “Moby-Dick” have a weekend of events to look forward to.

 

The New Bedford Whaling Museum’s 29th annual “Moby-Dick” marathon will take place this weekend from Friday, Jan. 3, until Sunday, Jan. 5.

 

On Friday, “Moby-Dick” enthusiasts can purchase tickets to a dinner in the Harbor View Gallery, which will be followed by a presentation from “Dayswork” co-authors Chris Bachelder and Jennifer Habel.

 

The city will also reveal the winning artist and design for a public statue of Melville in a 3 p.m. ceremony at Seamen’s Bethel. More than 40 artists applied to create this statue, according to a city spokesperson.

 

Then on Saturday, a 25-hour marathon reading of “Moby-Dick” will begin at noon with an appearance by Karyn Parsons, who played Hilary Banks in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Parsons will read the book’s iconic first words, “Call me Ishmael.”

 

Scholars, students, and community members will then continue the reading, which is expected to wrap up on Sunday, Jan. 5.

 

See more at wpri.com.