Thanksgiving Book Fair: How To Catch A Turkey at Bedford Play Area

Book Fair - How To Catch A Turkey brings a pocket of holiday mischief and hands-on play to the region from November 23–29. Hosted in the Imaginative Play area at 142 E. Pitt Street Bedford, PA 15522, and serving families from Altoona and across central Pennsylvania, this two-hour event pairs a lively reading of How to Catch a Turkey with themed crafts, fall snacks, and a surprise-prize box that keeps small adventurers guessing.

Inside a bright, kid-sized room designed for creative exploration, the program moves at a gentle, sensory-friendly pace: reading, free play, craft, snack, and a little independent shopping with optional 'Book Fair Bucks.' Key features include the staged storytime corner, a craft table stocked with age-appropriate materials, a snack station featuring seasonal flavors, and access to the venue’s Imaginative Play area for the full session. The prize box is a playful focal point—the hunt for a small trinket becomes its own mini-adventure.

What makes this event stand out locally is its blend of literal bookish fun with practical kid-care considerations. The schedule encourages autonomy—children can engage at their own tempo—and parents can add Book Fair Bucks to foster early decision-making and basic money skills. It’s an accessible option for families who want a short, structured outing that still leaves room for exploration. The choice to pair story with a take-home craft and an edible theme ties the story’s Thanksgiving setting into a tactile memory young readers can revisit.

The timing—Thanksgiving week—gives this event a seasonal resonance. For visitors staying in Altoona or passing through Bedford, the event is an easy stopoff that adds local color to holiday travel. Arrive on time to enjoy the full two-hour session; cafe refreshments are available for purchase if grown-ups want hot drinks during the read-aloud. While the program is built for children, it serves as a gentle community connector: neighbors sharing snack time, caregivers swapping book recommendations, and kids practicing small social routines.

Practicalities are straightforward: sessions last two hours and include access to the play area; parents should note that snacks are provided and that the schedule is sensory-friendly and flexible. For families looking to stretch a short outing into a fuller day, the venue’s central address—142 E. Pitt Street Bedford, PA 15522—makes it convenient to pair the visit with local walking routes or a nearby lunch stop. In short, this book fair turns a single picture book into an afternoon of reading, making, tasting, and small discoveries—perfect for Thanksgiving-week explorers. Reserve early: spots can fill during holiday week, so check the booking link for availability; consider adding Book Fair Bucks to let kids browse, and allow extra time for parking around the Bedford square when events overlap with lunch crowds.