READ NYC Community Festival coming to Brooklyn Bridge Park

October 1, 2013 Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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On Saturday, Oct. 5, United Way of New York City & Skanska USA will present the 5th annual READ NYC Community Festival, family-friendly event at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1. Featuring live entertainment, delicious grub and a variety of games, this year’s event, titled “A Festival of Brighter Futures,” will focus on the importance of helping children learn and love to read through interactive activites.

READ NYC will feature performances by Sesame Street’s Elmo and the show’s newest cast member, Armando; live music by local bands Brown Rice Family and Son de Brooklyn; reading circles and book giveaways; the Walking Alphabet, a spelling game featuring free t-shirts, photo-ops and prizes; face painters and arts and crafts; and sports activities for youth and teens.

“United Way of New York City is thrilled to celebrate our 5th Annual Community Festival, READ NYC, with a focus this year on getting kids excited about learning and reading,” says Sheena Wright, President and CEO of United Way of New York City. “We recognize that our students and their families are struggling to succeed. Our Festival will provide resources for families, communities, parents and children to thrive.”

According to the New York City Department of Education, only one in three New York City students is proficient in reading by third grade. Third graders who cannot read at grade-level are 70% less likely to graduate from high school. READ NYC will help encourage children to get excited about reading and will help families discover ways to make reading fun.

“Our mission is to leave cities better than we find them. We do that every day by building new parks, bridges or hospitals. We try to go one step further by making a meaningful difference in the communities where we live and work. This event is a perfect example of how New Yorkers from all walks of life can come together to make our city better,” says Skanska USA Building President Bill Flemming. “Working with United Way, we know we can help make a difference in the lives of the city’s most vulnerable residents.”

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The event will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park.