Senator Pat Browne, R-16th, will hold his annual community and family expo 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at Bucky Boyle Park, North Front and Gordon streets, Allentown.

The event is free and is held rain or shine.

The eighth annual expo, which is open to the public, is designed to provide valuable information to parents, grandparents and children about the myriad of programs, information and other services available to them from government and community groups, according to Browne.

"It is my hope, through this expo, that families will have a better understanding of some of the excellent resources that are available to them," Browne said. "I thank our event supporters for assisting to make this event possible and all of the displayers who will join us to inform my constituents how these businesses and agencies can help. We expect to have another large crowd again this year as we have in the past."

Thanks to Lehigh Valley Cops 'n' Kids all children will receive a free book while supplies last. Kids can also complete an educational passport for a free book bag, compliments of Susquehanna Bank, and school supplies while supplies last. Scheduled exhibitors include: Capital BlueCross-CHIP program, Lehigh Valley Cops 'N' Kids, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown Health Bureau, Boy Scouts of America/Minsi Trails Council, Lehigh Valley Children's Center, Inc., Boys and Girls Club of Allentown and more.

Scheduled entertainers and special guest stars include: flag raising ceremony by the ROTC of Dieruff High School, Allentown School District's student orchestra, performers from the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Youth Education in the Arts, Allentown Symphony Orchestra's musical petting zoo and surprise mascots from local organizations and businesses.

For more information, contact Altagracia Mercado at Browne's Allentown office at 610-821-8468 or visitBrowne's website at www.senatorbrowne.com.