The ninth annual “Meltdown Family Music and Book Fest” Saturday at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton drew hundreds of families for a day of live music, children’s activities, book readings, puppet shows, food from area restaurants, information booths and more.
The free event was created by Northampton Radio Group: WRSI 93.9 the River, WHMP and Hits 94.3. Yankee Candle Village, Greenfield Savings Bank and several other businesses co-sponsored the event.
On the main stage in the school’s cafeteria, singer/songwriter Mister G, a Latin Grammy award winner, kept the crowd dancing with his lively songs for children. The Deedle Deedle Dees, Expandable Brass Band and Stacey Beasley Band also played.
Members of SHOW Circus Studio of Easthampton performed in the school’s gym, which also housed two inflatable bounce houses and other activities for children.
Paintbox Theater, Tom Knight Puppets and Talking Hands Theatre entertained as did the Okie Wookie Troupe, a group of elementary school-aged children who do improv.
Jeff Kinney, author of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, read and signed his books for fans. Other authors, such as Kevin Sherry, Selina Alko and Sean Qualls, and Lisa Yee also shared their work.
Caroline Hanna, of Amherst, brought her children Nora, 5, and Casey, 3.
She called the circus performances “amazing” and is considering signing her kids up for circus school.
Jeny Phillips, of Winchester, N.H., said “It’s a perfect event that has physical activities, but also engages children in reading. It checks a lot of boxes for fun activities.”
Marcella Hall, of South Hadley, who brought her children Aaliyah, 6, and Ava, 3, for the first time, called the event “exciting.” They danced, shopped for books, had snacks and were on their way to the bounce house. “It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning,” she said.
Jerrey Roberts can be reached at jroberts@gazettenet.com.