In keeping with Akron's growing reputation as a reading capital, kids who attend this year's KidsFair will receive a Passport to Reading Fun. Twenty-five booths scattered throughout KidsFair's two floors will host reading-related activities and crafts where kids can get their passports stamped. When kids accumulate as many stamps as they are old, they can proceed to the Akron Beacon Journal booth to receive a reading prize.

PBS 45&49's new stage show is another new way to enjoy reading at KidsFair. The show, "PBS 45 & 49 Presents: It's Time! Songs and Stories With Phyllis & Friends," features America's best-known master storyteller Phyllis Cicero-Stella the Storyteller in the PBS KIDS series Barney and Friends. Clifford and Arthur will join Phyllis to present a lively production of storybook readings that families of all ages can enjoy.

KidsFair, a day of hands-on fun, games, and learning, is geared entirely to the children of our community and is sponsored and organized by the Shaw JCC of Akron. KidsFair has grown into downtown Akron's largest one-day event, drawing thousands of families to the John S. Knight Center. In addition to local businesses, a host of nonprofit organizations will participate and feature crafts, food, science and arts activities, health and nutrition information, games and music.

The event has become a mainstay for several area nonprofit organizations. In addition to being the Shaw JCC's primary community outreach project and fundraiser, the first five KidsFair events have collected more than 40,000 pounds of food for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and raised more than $35,000 for The Millennium Fund for Children of the Akron Community Foundation. This year's event is chaired by Ed Newman and Margaret Slesnick. Visionary sponsors include ACME Fresh Market, the Akron Beacon Journal, Coca Cola, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, National City Bank, PBS 45&49, Rubber City Radio Group, Smith Dairy and Summa Health System.