PHOTOS PROVIDED Otto Bookstore’s Dog Man Day proved to be a success for the Williamsport community this past weekend.

PHOTOS PROVIDED
Otto Bookstore’s Dog Man Day proved to be a success for the Williamsport community this past weekend.

WILLIAMSPORT — More than 150 parents, grandparents and children filled the Community Theatre League and surrounding streets on Saturday as The Otto Bookstore’s Dog Man Day delivered a wildly successful celebration of reading, creativity and community.

The event featured an in-person appearance by beloved children’s book character Dog Man, who greeted fans, posed for photos and joined families as they enjoyed a morning packed with activities.

Attendees participated in a Dog Man-themed scavenger hunt, coloring stations, prize giveaways and opportunities to pick up exclusive merchandise.

The excitement began at the Community Theatre League, where families lined up to meet Dog Man and collect their swag — including a copy of “Dog Man: Big Jim Believes” stamped with a special Dog Man Day commemorative seal, available only at the event.

After taking photos with kids inside the theater, Dog Man and the families made a lively sidewalk parade from CTL, waving to families and heading to the Otto Bookstore, where the celebration continued.

“We’re thrilled by the turnout and the joy this event brought to so many families,” said Kathryn Nassberg, co-owner of the Otto Bookstore. “Dog Man has inspired countless kids to fall in love with reading, and seeing that excitement come to life in our community was truly special.”

Mayor Derek Slaughter opened the festivities by officially proclaiming the day Dog Man Day in Williamsport, recognizing the beloved character’s positive influence on young readers.

John Shableski, store manager at the Otto Bookstore, also expressed his appreciation for the partners who helped bring the event to life.

“We are deeply grateful to Scholastic and Dav Pilkey for allowing us to bring Dog Man to our community,” Shableski said. “Their support helps us inspire kids to get excited about reading, and events like this show just how powerful that spark can be.”

In addition to meeting Dog Man, families had the chance to enter to win a Family Prize Pack from Liberty Arena and other prizes from Sprinkled Sweets, Vinnies Italian Eatery and The Mulberry Moose and enjoy hands-on activities designed to encourage imagination and literacy.

The Otto Bookstore extended its thanks to the Community Theatre League, Liberty Arena, the Scholastic Corporation and the Williamsport community for helping make Dog Man Day a memorable success.

For more information about upcoming events at The Otto Bookstore, visit www.ottobookstore.com.