Looking for some free fun? On June 3, Dan Nicholas Park hosts Rowan Public Library’s Summer Reading Kick-off. The event includes a festival, held in the Sports Field from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and a concert featuring the Billy Jonas Band, held in the Outdoor Stanback Theatre beginning at 1:30 p.m. Both festival and concert are free, open to the public, and all ages are welcome.

A summer reading registration booth will be available throughout the festival; individuals of all ages can sign up. There are no fees to participate in summer reading. The 2017 theme, “Build a Better World,” encourages people to seek knowledge and to explore new ways of using that knowledge to make a positive difference in the world.

Summer reading categories are organized by age: Children (newborns to rising fifth-graders), teen (rising sixth-graders to rising 12th-graders), and adult (all individuals over 18 years of age). In June and July, there will be programs designed for specific age groups, as well as programs the whole family can attend.

The festival also features a children’s craft activity and numerous vendors. Rowan County Cooperative Extension Service, Salisbury Parks and Recreation Department, Rowan County Animal Services, Chickweed, Habitat for Humanity, Sole Hope, and more will have booths at the celebration.

Touch a Butterfly will be available for children to observe and feed live Monarch butterflies, while learning about the butterflies’ anatomy.

A bicycle rodeo, hosted by The Pedal Factory, is also on the agenda. People should bring their bikes to participate. The Pedal Factory staff will help with small adjustments if needed before going through the obstacle course.

The first 500 attendees receive free ice cream sandwiches, courtesy of Food Lion 381 of Rockwell. Other food items may be found at Dan Nicholas Park’s concession stands, or participants may bring a picnic. Everyone is encouraged to enjoy the park’s amenities.

The grand finale of the kick-off is a performance by the Billy Jonas Band. The band  is known for its brand of industrial re-percussion, which involves making instruments from found, foraged, and recyclable objects.

The band’s members — Billy Jonas, Ashley Jo Farmer, Sherman Hooer, and Juan Holladay — inject their work with a unique brand of energy and whimsy.

The concert will be held in the Outdoor Stanback Theater and begins at 1:30 p.m. Anyone may attend the concert, even if they didn’t visit the festival attractions.

For more information call 704-216-8234 or visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.