Whether you’re young or just young at heart, head over to Temple Terrace on Saturday, Oct. 10, to enjoy a family reading festival and learn about fire safety.

The fourth annual Temple Terrace Reads festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 124 Flotto Ave., in front of Temple Terrace Elementary School.  The city fire department will be holding its open house next door at Fire Station No. 1.

The reading festival features more than just books.  Kids and adults will enjoy interactive literacy booths, arts and crafts, musical acts, games, authors, storytellers, face painting, a reptile exhibit, gift bags and a book exchange sponsored by the Temple Terrace Junior Woman’s Club.

The fire department’s open house lets kids put out simulated house fires with water hoses and save a barn from burning down.  They’ll learn how to escape a smoke-filled room and meet Smokey Bear.  Puppet shows, clowns, a balloon artist and lots of firefighting vehicles and equipment will also be on display.

Both events are free, and there is free parking available at the Terrace Plaza shopping center, at Bullard Parkway and 56th Street.  Hot dogs, sodas and chips will be sold at the event.

See you there!