DAPHNE, Ala. — The 12th annual Spring Into Reading Festival, sponsored by the Friends of the Daphne Library, will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s theme is part of the Alabama Big Read, which encourages all Alabama residents to read “Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain. Admission is free.

In additional to the featured entertainment there will be a Daphne fire truck, a DARE police car, and many characters in costumes roaming around, including Benjamin Franklin, the Chick-Fil-A Cow, “Ms. Linda the Spinning Lady” and many more.

The fun begins with the information table where you get your map of activities and your bag, then on to check out the two bouncy houses, free food, face painting, balloons, and many entertainers.

The featured act is a Maynard and Friends puppet show along with other musical guests.

Art and poetry entries will be on display from Eastern Shore schools and homeschoolers kindergarten through 12th grade. Winners of the poetry contest will complete the entertainment line-up for the day and ribbons will be handed out by Daphne Mayor Fred Small.

There will also be a used book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Daphne Public Library and the Friends Book Store will be open for the event.