The Park Ridge Public Public Library wrapped its summer reading program with a free special event that was also a sendoff for kids as they prepare to head back to the classroom.

Library Director Joanna Bertucci told Pioneer Press that about 250 people attended the “Summer Reading Sendoff” Saturday on the library lawn.

“It went extremely well other than the heat,” Bertucci said. “I kept making sure everyone was hydrated. We just wanted everyone to have fun.”

Entertainers included children’s performer Rachel Bachman, who played acoustic guitar set to popular Disney tunes and other children’s music, and Jason Kollom, who returned for a second year with bubble art including gigantic bubbles children could run through.

The Hitmaker, who Bertucci said has been playing for 20 years and perfor

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