Party at the Park brings school supplies, resources to Reading

Reading residents gathered at Pendora Park on Saturday for an afternoon of entertainment, school giveaways and community resources during the annual Party at the Park.

District 2 Councilman Jaime Baez Jr., who hosted the free event, said more than 200 backpacks were distributed to children preparing to return to school.

The event also featured bounce houses, free haircuts, face painting, toys, food and entertainment, along with tables staffed by community organizations and local vendors.

Baez said the event has grown into more than a back-to-school celebration, with an emphasis on connecting residents with information and resources.

This year, organizers offered educational seminars on topics including local government, homeownership and funeral planning. Residents received game cards that encouraged them to visit resource and vendor tables and attend the seminars for a chance to win a prize.

Entertainment included music and dance performances, along with costumed characters for children.

Baez said the event is rooted in his own experiences growing up and remembering friends and families who sometimes struggled to afford basic necessities.

“I know what it’s like to have to open the oven to heat up your house or turn on your stove tops to be able to keep warm in the wintertime,” he said. “Those things are my why in giving back to the community.”

Baez said more than $10,000 in sponsorships was raised for this year’s event, with the money going toward expenses such as bounce house rental and entertainment. He stressed that the celebration was supported by sponsors rather than city funding.

He also credited volunteers, businesses and community organizations with making the event possible.

“I can’t do this alone,” Baez said. “It takes community to come together.”

Baez said the event reflects what he sees as a broader responsibility to the residents he represents.

“At the end of the day, it’s about not just going to legislate and advocate, but also being there for the community and providing that safe space as well,” he said.