Family Day at the Park is coming up and continues a Stockton tradition of
providing a free event that promotes literacy in our community! Family Day at the Park is
celebrating its 29th year of highlighting reading and literacy with a community celebration that is a
free family event. This year’s Family Day returns to Weber Point Events Center in downtown
Stockton from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 19.
“Family Day in the Park was one of the first events we put on for the community and it’s
longevity is testament to how much the community enjoys the one-day event,” said Carrie Sass, who
has been organizing the event with her daughter-in-law Anna Sass at SASS! Public Relations. “Since
its inception, it keeps growing. The community keeps showing up to support it and to enjoy the day.”
The fun day is presented by the Library and Literacy Foundation of San Joaquin County and
The Record. “We are thrilled to have this annual event that encourages reading and literacy,
especially now when so many children have cell phones or tablets that might distract them from
picking up a good book,” Anna Sass, one of the event organizers, said. “We typically have about 80
community nonprofits, service organizations and businesses that host booths at the event and we ask
each one to host an interactive project that kids can work hands-on.”
The event stands out with massive balloon displays welcoming attendees to Healthy Highway,
Safety City, Recreation Road, King Author’s Court, Transportation Nation and more. The day kicks
off with a mascot parade in Safety City. Last year, the University of the Pacific Power Cat was joined
by mascots from Delta College, the Stockton Kings, the Stockton Ports and a whole host of
superheroes. Everyone is invited to march along and, of course, there are plenty of photo
opportunities. Later in the day, superheroes and princesses from University of the Pacific read stories
to the children in attendance. And at King Author’s Court, local authors read their storybooks.
“Family Day at the Park is a truly unique event focused on kids,” Anna said. “The local
businesses and nonprofits come up with extremely creative, interactive experiences, and the event
simply wouldn't be possible without their support. From taking home a free book and learning about
bike safety to exploring the City's water hyacinth boat, there is an endless variety of things for kids to
enjoy.”
There is live music, clowns and other performers. There will be food and refreshments for
purchase and many of the vendors give out freebies such as free books, treats or little novelty toys.
