The Shin Sekai Anime Fest is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. Fifth Street, Reading. People are invited to dress up as their favorite characters, shop from local vendors and watch some classic anime together. Barrio Alegría is putting it together with The Wonder of Anime, a local anime blogger and creator.
The venue will be divided into four areas. The Main Stage is the heart of the festival. The UA Academy section will host crafts and games. The Kame House section is where the vendors will be. The Going Merry section will be the film screening and karaoke room. Highlights include a cosplay competition and a voice acting contest.
See Barrio Allegria’s Facebook page for more information.
Pride celebration
The Reading Pride Celebration marks its 20th anniversary Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Jim Dietrich Park, Muhlenberg Township.
The event attracts LGBTQ+ community members, allies, families, businesses, artists, nonprofits and advocates for a day of celebration, education, entertainment and connection. There will be drag performances, singers, bands, dance teams, acrobatic performances, comedy and more.
There will be local businesses, artists and makers, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, food vendors, family-friendly activities, educational resources and opportunities to connect with organizations serving greater Reading. Learn more at readingpride.org.
Train station open house
An open house will be held Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Wernersville train station, 20 E. Penn Ave. Artifacts from the Reading Railroad and the fully restored 100-year-old station are presented by the Heidelberg Heritage Society. Admission is free.
Genealogy lesson
A “Genealogy 101” program will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the West Lawn-Wyomissing Hills Library, 101 Woodside Ave., West Lawn. The program is designed for beginners and curious researchers alike. Participation is free, and no registration is required. Learn more by calling 610-678-4888
Roper Romp
Berks Encore is holding its second Roper Romp on Aug. 1 in support of the organization’s work helping older adults in the community. The event is inspired by Helen Roper, the fun-loving landlady from “Three’s Company.” Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest Helen and Stanley Roper-inspired 1970s attire
The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with brunch at the Sly Fox Taphouse in Wyomissing. Participants will then visit several establishments in West Reading for light fare, drink specials, photo opportunities and games,
Tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple, with all proceeds benefiting Berks Encore. Learn more at www.berksencore.org.
Church picnic
Huff’s Union Church Picnic is scheduled for July 25 starting at 4 p.m. at 540 Conrad Road, Hereford Township. Food is available beginning at 4, rain or shine. The Majestics will perform from 5 to 8, weather permitting. There will be children’s activities and games from 5 to 6 p.m.
Bring your own lawn chairs. Service animals only. The community is welcome. Call 610-845-2626 for information.
Lego railroad
The Brick Reading Railroad will return to the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Hamburg on July 25 and 26 and Aug. 1 and 2. This highly detailed miniature of the Reading Railroad designed and built of Lego bricks has been expanded by its creator, local collegian Zachary Kauffman.
The museum is located at 500 S. Third St. and is open Saturdays from 10 to 4 and Sundays from noon to 4. The exhibit is included with museum admission:
Pioneer Day
Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train, Ashland, Schuylkill County, is celebrating Pioneer Day on July 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be guided underground mine tours, steam train rides, antique mining displays, craft vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, music and blacksmith demonstrations.
For more information visit www.pioneertunnel.com, email info@pioneertunnel.com, call 570-875-3850, or follow the site on Facebook.
Birds and Brew
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary near Kempton presents Birds and Brew on Aug. 8 from 5 to 9 p.m. in the amphitheater and tented areas. The event is rain or shine and features tastings from local breweries, wineries and distilleries, a barbecue buffet dinner, music and raptor meet-and-greets. Details and tickets at www.hawkmountain.org/events/birds-and-brew.
Submit items to news@readingeagle.com