Lions, monsters, fancy costumes, books, and a “flash mob” – oh, my!

But that’s not all on tap at the 2014 Great Valley Bookfest that is just around the corner. The third annual event, which first and foremost celebrates the fun of reading, is taking place Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley in Manteca, at the 120 Bypass and Union Road.

This is one time book lovers get to meet in the flesh their favorite authors as well as up-and-coming writers, chat with them, and have them autograph their books. There are more than 60 popular and award-winning authors who are showcased in this year’s Bookfest which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

New this year is a children’s stage called Oz Theater. Organized by Ruthanne Bassett, former children’s librarian at the Manteca Public Library, the theater will be comprised of several children’s activities including author readings.

Kicking off the day’s varied offerings will be a family parade. Just like last year, everyone from parents to their young ones and those who are young at heart, is invited to come and join in the fun dressed in their favorite costumes, just in time for Halloween. The Bookfest parade will meander through the Promenade Shops. Adding to all that visual fun will be a musical backdrop courtesy of a group of high school musicians who will be leading the parade.

“We will be giving out kazoos, too. A real noisy kick-off is planned,” said Toni Raymus who, along with her family and several members of the community, launched the Bookfest three years ago.

She also revealed that “somewhere along the path” of the parade, a “Flash Mob” may make a surprise appearance.

Another group that is making its first appearance the Bookfest this year is the East Union Book Club. Melody Haskell, the club president, and members of the campus group will be manning a booth where they will conduct a book drive. Bookfest visitors will be invited to donate used books. Club members will then sort all the donations and then distribute them to classrooms and educational programs.

Cooking demonstrations by popular chefs who have also penned culinary books will be lending some palate-pleasing addition to the day’s extravaganza as well.

Below is schedule of the attractions that will take place at the Oz Theater, the children’s stage:

10 – 10:30 a.m. – family costume parade.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. – story hour with authors, plus songs, games, crafts and therapy dogs, featuring Michelle McKenzie (10:30 a.m.), Jennie Chadwick (10:50 a.m.), and Linda Knoll (11:10 a.m.).

11:30 – 12 p.m. – Magic show with the Amazing Mr. E!

12:05 – 12:20 p.m. – Mystery Moments; get clues, crack the code, and solve the crime with author Valery Murphy.

12:30-1 p.m. –Author Adam Sidwell whose creative use of computers to made monsters, robots and zombies come to life for such blockbuster movies as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “King Kong,” “Transformers,” and “Tron,” will be there to captivate his audience with dynamic stories and activities for all.

1:10 – 1:30 p.m. – Rick and Ryan Goldsberry will bring their talents to draw and tell great stories.

1:35 – 2 p.m. – The Amazing Mr E! returns with another Magic Show.

2:05-3 p.m. – story hour with authors, songs, games and crafts featuring Shawnie Clark (2:05), Iris Melendez (2:20 p.m.). and Kelli Pearson (2:40 p.m.).

3-3:30 p.m. – Music with kids!

3:35 – 4 p.m. – Meet all of the children’s authors, get their autographs, and share a snack to end the day.

Admission to the Bookfest is free. For further details, contact Toni Raymus at toni@greatvalleybookfest.org. You can also log on to http://greatvalleybookfest.org which includes answers to frequently asked questions.