Reading Street Festival In Dedham Square July 5th

If you're sticking around town this week with the kids, don't be alarmed to see a huge red dog walking through Dedham Square Thursday afternoon. Blue Bunny Bookstore and Scholastic Books are taking over town square between 5 and 7pm for a summer reading festival. The event is designed to promote summer reading and provide access for kids to authors, activities and more.

It's all part of Scholastic's Summer Reading Road Trip Program, and the company will be in town with its colorful Recreational Vehicle during the event, which will close traffic on the road between Eastern Avenue and Washington Street. Kids can meet some of their favorite book characters, along with local notables including The Blue Bunny's own Peter H. Reynolds (author of the well-known "The Dot"), Jarrett Krosoczka ("Star Wars: Jedi Academy"), Troy Cummings ("The Notebook of Doom") and Gale Galligan ("Baby-Sitters Club" graphic novels).

Interactive stations with kids activities will span the block, including a celebration of the Harry Potter series, which turns 20th this year. Infants and toddlers will enjoy their own entertainment, and kids will have the opportunity to purchase books, get them signed, and take photos with authors.

Giveaways, prizes and the aforementioned character celebrities - remember Clifford the Big Red Dog? - will be part of the fun. The event is free and open to all as part of Scholastic's third year of road trips. For more information, visit bluebunnybooks.com.