5/21 UPDATE: Event organizers say Book Fest is being moved into First Arena, due to thunderstorms in the forecast for May 22nd. 

ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- A family friendly event focused on celebrating reading is being held in Elmira's Wisner Park later this month. 

The Family Reading Partnership of Chemung Valley is hosting its annual Book Fest event on May 22nd, from 10AM to 2PM. Book Fest offers activities and fun, centered around books to help foster a love of reading.

The event also features appearances by book characters, live music, games and other activities. Children will receive free books, and local children's authors Kevin Coolidge, Maria Lei Antonio, and Charde Vera  will be signing copies of their books. 

The theme of this year's event is "Characters with Character." Children will be able to go to different tables hosted by local organizations, who will highlight character traits of children's book characters. 

The performers and times are as follows: 

10:30 to 11:15 - John Simon and Cal Walker
11:30 to 12:00 - New Kids Puppet Show
12:15 to 12:45 - Mr. Jeff
1:00 to 1:30 - Ernie Davis Consortium

To learn more about Book Fest 2022, click here: https://www.familyreadingpartnership.org/bookfest