Stock up on souvenirs, enjoy savory fare at the 2009 Mission Viejo Readers’ Festival

The 2009 Mission Viejo Readers’ Festival on Saturday, Sept. 12, which is expected to draw visitors from near and far, will feature exclusive merchandise for adults and kids alike and a smorgasbord of savory fare.

Readers of all ages can obtain the official Mission Viejo Readers’ Festival tote bag. Perfect for carrying books or even as a reusable grocery bag, this one-of-a-kind item features the full-color “Bringing Books to Life” logo on a black background and is available for only $8. Fun and inexpensive souvenirs for children include dinosaur and pirate bookmarks, halos and fairy wands, and pencils and glow sticks. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted. Proceeds from souvenir sales will benefit the Friends of the Mission Viejo Library.

Along with merchandise, visitors will enjoy the food court featuring delectable fare sold by local restaurants.

Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill will serve selected menu items; Bagels & Brew will offer patrons grilled hot dogs and hamburgers; Wineworks for Everyone will sell sandwiches and salads; Baskin Robbins will scoop up an assortment of ice cream flavors; Paradise Perks will offer coffee, tea, lemonade and bakery items; and visitors can delve into Dippin’ Dots flash-frozen ice cream treats.

This free City event, sponsored by the Friends of the Mission Viejo Library, takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Oso Viejo Community Park and Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way.

The festival will also serve as a way to support the less fortunate. Festival attendees are encouraged to bring a canned or non-perishable food item to donate to the South Orange County Food Bank.

The event is also a boon to students, who can earn scholastic community service hours by attending the Readers’ Festival.

Detailed information about the authors and illustrators along with a complete list of entertainers and food vendors is available at www.mvreadersfestival.org.