Good morning, Reading.

Exeter Township will host the 34th Annual Belt Sander Charity Race Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with races and extra activities (goat petting, live music, food, and children's events) while funds raised support The Greater Reading Mental Health Alliance.

After nearly 80 years, the nonprofit relinquished its River Road property because it could not maintain the aging building—boating safety classes and meetings will move to a Blue Marsh Lake facility to continue its mission.

Bulls, Bands and Barrels returns to downtown Reading this Saturday at Santander Arena with western sports, bull riding, barrel racing and a live country music concert featuring Dylan Marlowe and The Jack Wharff Band.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the show begins at 6:30 p.m.

Several Berks churches will host special events this week — including a Christmas in July service with live music at St. John’s in Ontelaunee Township on Sunday at 9:30 a.m., donation drives at Zion’s Lutheran in Perry Township, and flea markets in Washington and Alsace Townships.

Sugar Ray, known for late '90s hits, will perform free at the World Cup Fan Zone on July 19 at 5:30 p.m. on Penn Street outside Santander Arena + tickets are required for the Watch Party.

Pennsylvania American Water is asking customers in Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Northampton, and York counties to reduce nonessential water use by 10-15% (about 11-16 gallons per day) after the DEP expanded its drought watch declaration.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to conserve water to prepare for possible stricter measures in the future.

Weis Markets registered dietitian Lyndi Mies shared nutritious picnic recipes for summer ingredients, including a cherry bruschetta, tilapia with corn & tomato salad, and a bacon-blue cheese salad.

The recipes were featured on 69 News at Sunrise to help local families enjoy in-season produce.

Former Gov. Mifflin star Tyler Minick (two-time Berks player of the year) has transferred to Texas A&M after three seasons at UConn.

He hit .283 with five home runs in 29 games last season and will be a senior at Texas A&M.

The IronPigs celebrate their 20th season by spotlighting Rich Thompson, a Reading native who set records over five minor league seasons.

The series will highlight his storied career and suggest he may soon be honored as the first inductee if a wall of fame is created.

In the Senior American Legion baseball playoffs on July 9, Boyertown earned a 12-0 mercy-rule win over Norchester + Kennett defeated Spring City 6-0 with Alexis Laboy striking out 14; Boyertown will face West Lawn at 7 p.m. and Norchester will play in an elimination game at noon Saturday.

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.

Brit Floyd Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Santander Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the world’s premier Pink Floyd tribute band performing classic hits in an authentic style.