Families across Cocke County will get an opportunity to kick off summer – and summer learning – at the Spring Into Summer Reading Festival at Cocke County High School’s Hedrick Field in Newport this Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. – a free high-energy event with books, literacy activities, and family fun.

Hosted by C5 – Cocke County Cradle to Career Coalition in partnership with Save the Children, the event aims to help kids continue learning over the summer by connecting families with free age-appropriate books, educational resources, and fun, hands-on learning activities before school lets out for the summer.

The event, geared toward kids ages 12 and under, will include story-time read alouds and meet and greets with kids’ book favorites “Pete the Cat” and “Bluey,” interactive crafts and games, Newport Rescue Squad trucks on site for kids to explore, and free snow cones for all.

As research consistently shows that reading during the summer helps children maintain and improve their literacy skills, C5 director Jennifer Ellison says: “This festival is our way of making literacy fun and accessible for every child in our community. We want families to come as they are, enjoy a free evening together, and leave feeling inspired and supported.”