Pleasant Valley Elementary School held the last Dewey Day for the summer on Wednesday evening, with about 150 students and their families in attendance.

Anne Gordon, a teacher and one of the organizers of the event, said it was the largest attendance so far. This was the second summer for the events, which include different themed activities in June, July and August. It is funded by the school district.

“We get a lot of support from the families and the community, too,” Gordon said. “We hope to add more to this every year.”

The event included math and reading games to help the children get ready for the new school year, but it also helps children who are anxious about starting school or returning to school.

“I think it’s a great way for kids who are nervous about coming to school to experience school in a fun way,” Gordon said. “It gives them a much more positive feeling about coming to school.”

Lessening her child’s anxious feelings is why Jule Gearhart brought her young son, Grayson Gearhart, to the event.

“I thought it would get him excited for kindergarten and less anxious,” she said.

Wednesday’s event was the first one the family from Kunkletown has attended.

“He was really excited about the bookmobile,” Gearhart said.

Anne Gordon said the Dewey Bus is an important part of their events. It is set up like a library inside, and every child gets to select a free book to take home. The books are donated by Scholastic, the community and teachers, especially those who have retired.

“They have so many, and they just give them to us,” Gordon said of the retired teachers.

Benjamin Searfass, of Kunkletown, who will be in kindergarten this school year, chose a book titled “Take One Home Free.”

“It’s very funny to me,” he said.

His mom, Debi Maskiell, has brought her children to all of the Dewey Day events held at PVE. She has a daughter, Hannah, who will be in second grade.

“I think they’re really fun for the kids,” Maskiell said. “They have a good time.”

The event also had activities staffed by Pleasant Valley High School students, snacks provided by the Western Pocono Women’s Club and a backpack giveaway organized by the Pocono Harley-Davidson Ownership Group.

The backpacks were filled by members of the motorcycle group with help from the Latin American Motorcycle Association. Inside the backpacks were markers, crayons, glue sticks and just about everything the children need for elementary school.

“We help each other out,” said Tammy Martin of the Pocono Harley-Davidson Ownership Group.

LAMA Manville member Craig Suma said that one of the best things about helping the children pick out a new backpack is their reaction.

“Just to see the kids’ faces, they light up when they look inside,” Suma said.

He said the next best thing is the reaction of the parents. They’re grateful, because items can be expensive and they may have older children they need to get ready, too.

Martin said they filled 1,200 backpacks that will be given out to all the elementary schools throughout Monroe County. PVE was the first school on their stops this August.

The Pocono Harley-Davidson Ownership Group also is having an event from noon to 4 p.m. today at Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson near Route 715. It is free and no preregistration is required. There will be food, a dunk tank, face painting, paintball, a magician and even Santa Claus.

“It’s going to be a fun day,” Martin said.