Good morning, Reading.

Berks Pride Fest will mark its 20th anniversary on Sunday, July 19 at Jim Dietrich Park in Muhlenberg Township from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The daylong event will feature live music, drag shows, dance teams, and family-friendly activities while inviting local businesses and groups to participate.

Governor Shapiro announced Wednesday that Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials will invest $20.3 million in its Reading facility at 2120 Fairmount Ave & add 42 new jobs while retaining 441 full-time positions.

The expansion will renovate the facility and install new equipment to boost manufacturing of engineering plastics.

The Ringgold Band played and the Liberty Bell rang 13 times today to honor Berks County's 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration — a ceremony featuring multilingual readings by descendants of Sheriff Henry Vanderslice at the county courthouse.

Eager readers paid $20 on Wednesday for early access to the 52nd annual Book Bonanza, and free entry begins today at the county's South Campus (400 E.

Wyomissing Ave.) where thousands of used books, CDs, DVDs and puzzles benefit local libraries and the Aid Association of University Women.

Advocates from New Journey Community Outreach and the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness urged Reading City Council on Monday to support a downtown daytime resource center that will offer showers, laundry, medical care (and case management) for unhoused residents; council members asked about funding and safety.

Upcycled! Rugmaking Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Berks County Heritage Center — $10 per person — Create a unique hand-made rug using traditional techniques and modern materials from scrap fabric.

Pretzel History and Tales

7-8 p.m. — Berks County Heritage Center — Free entry — Discover how the pretzel lived through Prohibition and other fascinating stories.

Altoona Curve at Reading Fightin Phils

6:45-7:45 p.m. — Reading Fightin Phils — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the excitement of minor league baseball and the spectacular Carpenter MEGA BLAST FIREWORKS show!

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone Watch Party

2-6 p.m. — Santander Arena — Free entry — Experience the World Cup excitement with live broadcasts and a festive atmosphere for fans of all ages.

Super Chevy Showdown

All day — Maple Grove Raceway — Check website for entry fees — A weekend filled with thrilling races, classic car shows, and all things Chevy.

The Hindley Street Country Club Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Santander Arena — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of re-imagined covers performed by a talented group of Adelaide musicians.