READING, Pa. – Tuesday saw a big celebration in the heart of Reading.
“We’re celebrating the Three Kings and the day that they visualize the star to find baby Jesus. And it’s the seventh year that Mayor Moran has put this on for all of the city kids to just honor the culture and tradition and keep holiday spirit going,” said English Bradley, Reading mayor’s chief of staff.
Like the Three Kings brought gifts to Jesus, the City of Reading did the same because every child deserves to feel the love and magic of the holidays.
“We’ve got some cool trimming kits for some of our older gentlemen,” Bradley said. “We’ve got blankets and sugar scrubs for the older girls. We’ve got diaries and tie-dye kits, so there’s something for everybody.”
For many, the event brings back memories.
“I’m with my grandson looking for gifts and remembering my childhood in Puerto Rico. I’m so excited!” said Sorailda Rodríguez, Reading.
The event also gives families the opportunity to create new memories.
“There are families that are watching children grow up with pictures year to year, as the Kings stay the same,” said David Patti with Customers Bank, a platinum sponsor of the event.
The event, organized by the city and a number of sponsors, aims to keep tradition alive.
“It’s wonderful to see the faces of the children, but it’s also a lot about Reading and Berks,” Patti said. “It has always been a melting pot kind of community.”
Bradley added, “I think it’s important that we honor all of the cultures, heritages and traditions in our city. Reading is a really vibrant place.”