WASHINGTON — Beer, barbecue and books are on tap for a Sunday fundraising celebration of fall, dubbed Booktoberfest by organizer The Reading Connection.
A $50 admission fee supports efforts of the charity that works to instill love of reading in at-risk children and their caregivers.
“We actually run six different programs, and in all of them, we’re giving books to kids,” said spokeswoman Judy Hijikata. “Our signature program is the Read-Aloud program, which runs in 12 sites [regionwide], either in homeless shelters or affordable apartment complexes.”
Sunday’s fundraiser is kid friendly.
There will be “pumpkin painting and bobbing for apples, sidewalk chalk and also a special visit from ‘The Cat In The Hat,'” Hijikata said.
Admission is free for children under 12 who donate a children’s book.
“Of course we always want to encourage kids to think about others and to be charitable in their actions, but books are a huge expense for us because we give every child a brand new book every time we see them,” Hijikata said.
The event will include live music and a silent auction. Arlington’s only brewery, New District Brewing Company, is bringing a selection of craft beer. The menu includes hot dogs, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, orzo, tomato and feta salad and grilled corn salad, along with pork barbecue with all the trimmings.
The Reading Connection began in Arlington but has expanded into Alexandria, Fairfax and Montgomery counties.
Booktoberfest details:
When: Sunday, Oct. 2, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Lyon Park Community Center: 414 North Fillmore St. Arlington, Virginia
Fee: $50 for adults. Free for children under 12 with the donation of a new children’s book.
