By Perry Schaible
Enquirer contributor

READING - This Hamilton County city is offering a festival doubleheader.

Jerry Evers, a trustee with the Reading Chamber of Commerce, checks prizes for the silent auction and the scavenger hunt for the Crossroads Celebration and Taste of Reading this weekend. (Enquirer photo/GLENN HARTONG)

Residents can sample local foods at the Taste of Reading Arts and Crafts Show from noon to 11 p.m. today and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Reading Crossroads Celebration is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and benefits the Reading Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

The family-friendly festivals showcase the area with local food, craftsmen and entertainment.

New this year is a fun zone with rides.

This is the 17th year for the Taste of Reading, run by the Knights of St. John International Commanderie 59.

"This year we're really trying to revitalize it," said Mayor Bo Bemmes.

The festivals run along Benson Street between Market and Wachendorf streets.

There will be 10 food booths and 36 crafters.

"The overall goal is to get the residents of Reading ... to come down the hill and into the Reading business district," said Jim Stewart, president of the Reading Chamber of Commerce.

The Reading Crossroads Celebration includes a silent auction and scavenger hunt for kids in kindergarten through sixth grade.