CHOCOWINITY — The wonderful world of books was in the spotlight Friday during Chocowinity Primary School’s traditional Renaissance Festival.

This celebration of the written word allows the students and staff to let down their hair, according to Principal Alicia Vosburgh.

“The festival is a great way to end a week of state testing,” Vosburgh said. “This annual tradition at CPS has been going on for more than 15 years. All stakeholders look forward to celebrating academic success and spending a stress-free day outside.”

And celebrate they did. The students enjoyed a wide variety of fun activities, including miniature golf, obstacle courses, bubbles station, face painting, karaoke and basketball. A series of giant, inflatable activities added to the entertainment and a lunchtime movie was also presented.

Every CPS student from prekindergarten through fourth grade was invited to take part in the festivities, according to event chairperson Jana Hall. On hand as volunteers were parents and other school supporters, along with seventh grade athletes visiting from Chocowinity Middle School.

“We want to foster a love of reading for all students,” said Hall, who teaches first grade at CPS. “This is kind of a celebration of a year of hard work.”

The Renaissance Festival is just one way Chocowinity Primary School encourages young readers to excel. This Tuesday, the school will host its second annual book exchange, organized by the CPS reading team. Students have been bringing in gently used books from home, and they will be able to select “new” titles for their summer reading enjoyment.

The school is also preparing to launch a summer book club for upcoming third and fourth graders, according to reading specialist Paula Cox. While still in the planning process, the club will meet every other week during June, July and August.