With the coronavirus pandemic putting a halt on large public gatherings this year, the passionate organisers behind the annual event were determined to see it go ahead in one form or another.

With the theme 'Paint Parkes Uniformly REaD', students from early childhood centres and all five primary schools (infants) dressed for the occasion, be it as someone in uniform or in red.

And like in previous years - just without the youngsters moving about the main street this time - Parkes businesses joined in the celebrations by decorating their shopfronts or dressing in red.

All schools and education centres were given a USB featuring a special video - prepared by organisers and involving a range of locals - to play at the time when the students would have usually gathered in Cooke Park.

The children listened to stories, sang, danced and played games. They were also given activity books.

"The students still had the opportunity to participate in Reading Day, and using our technology skills - along with the Reading Day committee - produce an online production," Middleton Public School principal Nicole Livermore said.

"Students were engaged in the day that's all about promoting reading."

Check out the photo gallery above that shows some of the fun around the town on Reading Day this year.

The Parkes Champion Post also published Reading Day profiles on a range of people, of all ages, from around Parkes. These were specially featured in our print publications over the last three weeks.

Among those were some junior tennis players, whose videos were posted on social media to add to Friday's celebrations.

You can view them here on the Parkes Tennis Facebook page.