The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival is chock full of activity this year — vendors, live music, food, rides, a parade and more — so the community will not be wanting for something to do locally once the festival begins.

Even as the date draws closer, the more and more news about what can be expected for the festival is revealed.

For the first year ever, E-CATCH will be conducting a Reading Rally to take place on May 26 for the KMLF Parade.

The goal for the rally is to create a walking/marching group that will fill the length of one whole city block. For this goal to be reached, there needs to be 100 to 200 readers who participate.

All local elementary schools, early childhood service providers, child care centers, public libraries nonprofits and home school groups are included on the list of target participants.

The goal of the rally is to promote early literacy skills, early childhood service interventions, parents as a child’s first teacher, and the mantra of “Read Together for 20 Minutes a Day.”

This is a family event, so all children are to be accompanied by an adult or guardian. It is encouraged to carpool or provide a bus or van for group transport to the parade lineup. It also also advised to keep comfort in mind if planning to walk in the rally. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are a must for adults and children alike and strollers or other devices are a good idea for carrying infants and toddlers.

E-CATCH encourages themed T-shirts and signs be brought to the rally that promote the theme of the walk.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. and early arrival is suggested.

For more information contact Debbie Knuckles at debbieknuckles247@yahoo.com or Karen Thompson at kt@ekccc.org.