Hundreds of young readers braved the gray skies and took to the streets in Olde Town Conyers Friday for the Hands On Literacy Parade, organized by the Partnership for Community Action, Inc.

Students dressed up as characters from books that they read, including "Pete the Cat," "Rocking their Cool Shoes," "Four Groovy Buttons" and "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom."

The event seeks to promote early literacy by fostering a positive approach to reading, according to organizer Brenda Smith. Now in its seventh year, the parade has grown from 85 participants to more than 400 participants.

Here are a few scenes.