Good morning, Reading.

Despite rain, about 100 vendors set up booths and four live music acts entertained the crowd at the West Reading Craft Pretzel and Beer Festival where local restaurants offered unique pretzel dishes while some submitted homebrew entries.

Nick Price, Main Street executive director, said the event brought neighbors together — highlighting the region's strong pretzel heritage.

The YMCA of Reading and Berks County held a color run on Healthy Kids Day to help kids and families be healthy.

Kids ran in white clothes and were covered in bright powders—organizers also gave a sneak peek of upcoming summer camp programs.

Berks Ballet Theatre will perform a double feature on May 10 at 2 p.m. at the Miller Center for the Arts — a vibrant interpretation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons followed by Cinderella’s Ball with a pre-performance tea party from noon to 1:15 p.m. An art exhibit titled BEARS opens Friday from 5-7 p.m. in Boyertown — and Reading Civic Theatre is hosting senior talent spotlight auditions on May 24 from 1-4 p.m., with audition slots available until May 17.

Yesterday, Reading’s City Park hosted an Earth Day event with conservationists demonstrating bats and native plant exhibits—used to show the challenges of invasive species—and local bands and dancers providing live performances.

A citywide cleanup and ceremonial tree planting also took place to promote environmental care.

The 2025 primary election in Berks County will be held Tuesday, May 20, with mail ballots being distributed and requests due by May 13 while voters must update their registration by May 5 + Reading Eagle reporters have compiled candidate information and voting details for local residents.

Today Reading takes part in the national Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters campaign by lighting six fire stations, the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower, City Hall, 5th and Penn and the Penn Street Bridge red to honor fallen firefighters—residents and businesses are urged to add red lights or ribbons.

Today, the Berks County recorder’s office filed many real estate transactions from properties across various townships, with sale prices ranging from nominal amounts to over $500,000.

Some filings did not list a transfer price because no money was exchanged—these records are based on official public filings.

Reading's old Glidden Paint site needs a new name — The Shuman Development Group is asking for public ideas — and the best suggestion will win a $250 gift certificate to Judy's on Cherry.

Vince Gill Concert

7-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the musical talents of Vince Gill live in Reading, PA.

Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2025

4-8 p.m. — Shiloh Hills Park — Entry fees vary — A fun and engaging running series encouraging kids to embrace an active lifestyle.

Schuylkill Navigation Bicentennial

10 AM – 4 PM — Berks County Heritage Center — Free displays, fee for lectures — Explore canal history through engaging lectures and historic artifacts at the heritage center.