CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. -- In a society where television and video games can easily dominate a child's day, getting children to read is more important than ever. This year two area organizations teamed up for the first time, bringing books to life for children.

The first annual book festival in Johnstown was held in March at Art Works. Organizers and parents said it was a big hit with the kids.

"I actually find this very interesting," said 12-year-old Julius Eckroth.

"You need to have it for everything in life," said Julius's mother Melissa Eckroth. "If they are good readers then they will be successful in whatever they do."

However, it's not just books grabbing the kids' attention. It actually got downright messy when it came to the arts and crafts. Kids had a blast adding their own special touch to a wall painting. They also got to put together collages, talk to authors and illustrators, check out caricatures, puppets and more.

Officials with Learning Lamp and Art Works in Johnstown said the joint effort is all about inspiring creativity and imagination.

"You can sneak learning in and you don't realize you are learning when you are having fun," said organizer Angela Godin.

For parents, it's a great way to bond.

"They walk around and see what makes their kids light up," said Godin.

Parents said it is a family friendly event that they intent to take part in again, especially because it is free.