Weirs Community Park Association hosts opening of Interactive Children’s Story Book Walk this Sunday

WEIRS BEACH — The Weirs Community Park Association invites local families to experience reading in a whole new way this summer. The Children’s Story Book Walk, is an outdoor event that transforms a local children’s book into an interactive, open-air trail adventure. The kick off to this event will feature local author Andy Opel and be held Sunday, July 26, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at the Weirs Community Park starting at the outdoor pavilion.

Andy Opel is a writer, filmmaker, musician, and associate professor of documentary video production and environmental communication at Florida State University. He is deeply connected to New Hampshire’s lakes region, drawing inspiration from his family’s five-generation history of spending summers and weekends at Lake Winnipesaukee.

"The Weirs — A Winnipesaukee Adventure" is a children's book that follows characters Jack, Franny, and J.J. on a magical night-boating excursion. The story beautifully blends lake traditions with local charm. The Story Book Walk features pages from the book, on sign boards, along a walking path at the Weirs park and playground. As families stroll the trail, they read the story page-by-page, with some fun interactive surprises during the kick off event.

Hear what inspired Andy Opel to write the book. If you own a copy of “The Weirs” be sure to bring it along to have the author sign your copy. There will also be several copies of the book given away.

Open to the public during park hours, making it an accessible, budget-friendly daytime activity for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary students. Enjoy the trails, covered pavilion with picnic tables and playground areas.

The Story Book Walk will be out on the trails through Columbus Day Weekend. There will be light refreshments and surprises during the kick-off event.

The trail begins behind the Weirs Community building at 49 Lucerne Avenue in Laconia, and starts right at the outdoor pavilion. The walk is self-guided with easy to walk paths at a leisurely pace. Families are encouraged to bring sunscreen, water, and plenty of imagination.

For more information, visit wcpalaconianh.com.