Had everything gone according to plan, copies of “The City of Boerne’s 1st Coloring Book” would have been distributed free during the Outdoor Family Fair in Boerne’s Main Plaza March 21.

But the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of that event. So the Boerne Parks and Recreation Department and the Hill Country Council for the Arts, which together created the book, decided to release it free both online, where it can be downloaded now, and at Boerne-area H-E-B, Wal-Mart and Walgreens stores beginning Friday.

“We know parents are looking for things for their kids to do while they’re sheltering in place,” said Danny Zincke, director of community services for the parks and rec department. “We hope they’ll have fun with this book. Plus they’ll have the opportunity to win prizes.”

An electronic version of the 16-page coloring book, which contains scenes from such popular Boerne attractions as River Road Park, Old No. 9 Trail and Christmas at Main Plaza, can be downloaded at hccarts.org/partners/coloring-book.

Once they’re finished coloring the pictures, children (or their parents) can upload a digital copy of their masterpieces to the same online address.

Beginning noon April 3, a Facebook Live show featuring submitted artwork will run every Friday on the Hill Country Council for the Arts Facebook page (facebook.com/HCCArts.Tx). At the end of the month one winner will be chosen to receive a prize package of goods donated by local businesses.

Richard A. Marini is a features writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | rmarini@express-news.net | Twitter: @RichardMarini