United Way to host third annual Reading Festival

United Way is partnering with local organizations to promote literacy and celebrate reading during its third annual Reading Festival from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 12 at the Mankato YMCA Blue gym.

The United Way Reading Festival is sponsored by Capstone, which is donating books for children at the event.

In addition to free books, this expo-style event includes activities for Pre-K through 3rd grade, literacy-related information for parents, free healthy snacks provided by Mankato Clinic, literacy kits provided by Profinium, and booths hosted by local organizations such as YMCA, YWCA, Open Door Health Center, Mankato Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota and Greater Mankato Diversity Council.

This event is free and open to the public. Recommended for ages 2 to 8, but all children are welcome to attend. An estimated 400 people attended last year's event.