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Venders, prizes, authors: Otto Bookstore hosts annual Kids Festival on June 28 in Downtown Williamsport

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PHOTO PROVIDED People are seen at a previous year’s annual Kids Festival, hosted by Otto Bookstore in Downtown Williamsport. This year’s festival will be held on June 28.

WILLIAMSPORT -- Otto Bookstore, the nation's oldest independently owned bookstore, will host families to its annual Kids Festival from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, at 107 W. Fourth St., with festivities extending along West Fourth Street between Court and Laurel streets.

"We are excited for the opportunity to present the annual Otto Bookstore Kids Festival for the second year," said Kathryn Nassberg, co-owner of the bookstore. "Given the tremendous success of the first Kids Festival last year, we are thrilled to bring it back with even more fun and activities."

This free, family-friendly festival features a variety of activities, including storytelling sessions, arts and crafts, games, face painting, bounce houses, live music and food vendors. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet special guest authors such as Diana Murray, Artie Bennett, Angela Hsieh, Alex Simmons, Shauna J. Grant, Christopher Ring, E.P. Klopp, Judi Jessick, Judy Nordstrom and Tim Horne who will be available for book sales and signings.

"Each year the Kids Festival gives us the opportunity to offer a family-friendly event aimed at promoting a love of reading for our community's young children," said John Shableski, the bookstore manager. "And to help families make the most of the event, we've added more features such as a diaper changing tent and stroller parking. We know that seems like a natural thing to do but not a lot of events seem to think about those kinds of necessities."

The 2025 Kids Festival is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including the City of Williamsport, McDonald's, Genetti Hotel, and UPMC.

Prizes will be available from partners including Crosscutters, Little League, a weekend getaway to Margaritaville Resort in Cape Cod, Hiawatha Riverboat, Road Radio USA, Junie's Playroom, the District Movie Theater, and more.

For a chance to win one of the festival prizes, RSVP at ottobookstore.com.

Starting at /week.