The 20th Anniversary of Family Day at the Park will be held Saturday, Sept. 16 at University Park in Stockton,

Hours for the event are from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; the event is free to the public. Family Day at the Park provides a full day of fun and educational activities for families throughout the Central Valley to enjoy.

The day’s festivities not only include interactive projects, games, and entertainment for kids, but also the opportunity to meet local children’s authors. King Author’s Court is the place to be for children to listen to authors read, get their autographs, ask questions, and purchase their books.

This year’s authors include some of the most well-known from around Northern California. Matthew Gollub is an award-winning author known for his picture book and audio CD combinations. His most popular include The Jazz Fly and Mailman Joe.

Dennis Hysom is the creative mind behind Wooleycat’s Musical Theater books, which contain nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and animal songs.

Terry A. O’Neal is a best-selling author and poet whose work has been published in many magazines, journals, and newspapers. Her award-winning family fiction novel, Sweet Lavender, and children’s book, My Jazz Shoes, are some of her works.

Jane Vial Jaffe is a musician and illustrator who did the artwork in the best-selling Count to Knee, which is a hit among children and families.

Catherine Lagorio gets the attention of all family members, including our furry ones. Her “tail,” Dropped-Off Dog, brings awareness to abandoned animals and gives children a stunning visual story.

Students from the Community Involvement Program (CIP) dressed as super heroes and princesses will also read children’s favorite books. CIP is a comprehensive needs-based scholarship and retention program for first-generation college students from the community who have demonstrated the potential for leadership, community awareness, and involvement. The program provides access to college and a wide range of support to the CIP scholars.

Authors will have scheduled reading slots, where children can relax under a tent for story time and ask questions. They will also be selling their books in the Author’s Tent.

University Park is at California and Magnolia Streets in the Magnolia District of Central Stockton.

For further information visit the website at familydayatthepark.com or contact event producer Anna Sass at at 209-957-7277 or anna_sass@sasspr.com.