This year’s Word on the Street Book and Magazine Festival attracted a bevy of readers from near and far to the grounds of Queen’s Park.

Tents were scattered along its 112 acres. Roads were closed for passers-by to be enticed by grilled pork souvlaki, sweet corn roasting on spits and books of every description.

Readers anticipated the arrival of favourite authors at book-signing tents at various corners of the park. Meanwhile, the streets literally brimmed with intrigue in the form of mystery and crime novels.

Age-specific attractions ranged from KidStreet for tots to mountains of comics for the tweens and teens. Authors and readers mingled to discuss grown-up matters like current events and their latest reads, while children scampered over to the story-telling tents auspiciously decorated with yellow TVO Kids balloons.

One new feature this year was the TVO Kids reusable book bags. The eco focus continued at the Green Chic tent.

Those inclined to save more than spend scurried over to the Money Matters seminar hosted by Richard Atkinson.

For those who found the written word overly taxing found tents set up for spoken word and live music.

Families read together on park benches and enjoyed ice cream and street dogs as the sun peaked in and out.

Award-winning Canadian children’s author, Brian Smillie urged children to go online and download books at the International Children’s Digital Library.

“Reading is one of the best things you can do with your time,” he said.

As for writing a book, he urged them young would-be authors to just go do it.

“I even published my own book,” he gushed. “Anyone out there can be a good author.”