Simon Kidgits Club at Columbia Center mall in Kennewick is holding a free Book Blast event.

Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, families can read together and celebrate books.

There will be story time with Miss Tri-Cities, Kennewick's chief of police and a surprise visit from a famous book character.

Parents and children also will do a make-your-own book craft and see a balloon drop and confetti bomb.

Families also are encouraged to bring at least one gently-used or new book to donate to the Mid-Columbia Reading Foundation.

For more information, go to simon.com/kidgits.