Scores of families came from all around Bermuda to attend the children's reading festival, mainly sponsored by ACE, which was held at Victoria Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday September 19.

Among the activities were story readings, watercolour painting, face painting, and word games.

Teen volunteer Jirina Ible-Richardson said that she volunteered at the reading festival because she loves to read, and she wanted to help encourage children to read more.

Jirina said, "I think this program is unique, because not only does this program encourage young children to read, it also teaches parents how to help their children to read more.

"This was my first time ever coming to this book festival, and my experience here was great. I was excited by the fact that so many young children love to read. I look forward to coming to next year's festival."

Denise Riviere is the chair person of the reading festival, that has been held for the last 10 years and is also the president of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Denise said, "One of our sorority's goals is educational development, so that's where the idea for the reading festival came from. Everything is free for children, books included.

"We all know that the reason for the season is reading. Where would we all be without it?"

Tiffany Russell age eight sat down by the tree enjoying her book "Flash".

It was about two children who go to visit their cousins in the country when they find an abandoned Border Collie puppy.

"It's now up to the two children to find the perfect home for Flash. Tiffany said, "I loved reading this book. It was very nice.

"I come to the book festival every year to get a new book, because I like the books at the festival the best.

"I read other books too, but I love these books the most. I could read them over and over again."

Four year old Adori Odhan walked around with his mother munching happily on his popcorn.

Adori's' mother Sadoya Odhan commented, "This is our first time coming to the reading festival. So far I think it's an excellent programme. I love the ambience.

"This place just has a naturally joyful aura about it that makes it even better. I am definitely going to be coming again next year."

Sorority member Mrs. Kelly commented, "I have been a Delta Sigma Theta for three years. It is a great organisation filled with enthusiastic women.

"This is the chapter's 20th anniversary. We hold the reading festival as our signature event annually. I am proud to be part of this, to promote reading."

The highlight of this year's reading festival was the sorority's new mascot the Elephant.

They held a "name the elephant" contest, to find the perfect name for the mascot, and the winner of the contest will be contacted in the near future.