Despite a rainy drizzle in the afternoon, nothing could dampen the high spirits of those who came to the 13th annual Reading Friends and Family Day on June 11, hosted by the Reading Lions Club. Reading residents were welcomed to an enjoyable day of activities, food, presentations, and prizes. Birch Meadow Park was filled with a multitude of stalls that were sponsored by representatives from many local businesses, organizations, and town departments. These stalls shared information on conservation, education, safety, and town happenings, and offered meet and greet opportunities with local officials. Organizations represented included Reading Municipal Light Department and the Reading Public Library. Other groups included the Reading Cooperative Bank, which provided sorbets and Reading Community Television, which brought a green screen for kids to take pictures with whatever background they wanted.
In the area of the former Imagination Station, one could find a variety of trucks, all of which were open for families and kids to explore. These popular attractions included a backhoe, dump truck, fire truck, police car, street cleaner, and tractor. Reading Police Officer David Savio oversaw the general proceedings and traffic management of the day’s event, allowing kids to see the inside of the police car and imagine themselves driving around. “Reading is truly a community-based town. It’s days like these that you can see everyone, for everyone knows each other.” Officer Savio remarked. “It’s a really special day when you can see all of your family and friends. I’ve worked Family Days for years and it’s always been great.”
Other activities included arts and crafts, karate, miniature golf, sack tosses, and remote controlled cars. A small train that transported families and kids across the field was a big hit with families. Refreshments were served, with coffee, cotton candy, hot chocolate, and ice cream being the most popular.
Friends and Family Day began to wind down as the rain started to come down mid-afternoon and some families cleared out. Organizers from the Lion’s Club considered the day to be a success.
