The city's stellar Cops 'n' Kids Literacy Program is joining in the fun of "Spring on Fourth! What's on Third?" festival as usual April 26, but this year they'll be starting things off with a celebratory parade on the Greenway at 11 a.m.

The program's eighth annual "Celebration of Reading . . . and the Arts and Sciences" will be held at the Northampton Community College's Fowler Family Southside Center.

Thanks to its many community partners, the celebration offers local families an opportunity to enjoy an all-expense-paid afternoon filled with food, music, crafts, face painting, sports demonstrations, photos with some of the area's most loved mascots, including the Just Born Peep – and free books. Performances include singing, dance and theater groups from area schools at indoor and outdoor venues.

City of Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez, Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy, retired City of Bethlehem Police Commissioner Randy Miller, City of Bethlehem Chief of Police Mark DiLuzio and their army of community volunteers will cook and serve free hot dogs and drinks to the families who attend.

Cops 'n' Kids is an initiative that pairs area youth with new and gently used books generated through book drives and donations from local businesses, schools, individuals and others in the community who have responded overwhelmingly to the program's mission of "connecting kids and community through literacy."

Events will end at 3 p.m.