A group of Reading teens got a surprise Saturday when a Hollywood actor showed up to judge a chicken wing cook-off at the Reading Recreation Center.

“In a surprising and almost unbelievable turn of events, our guest celebrity chicken wing judge was none other than Hollywood actor Robert Christopher Riley, who stars on Netflix’s show ‘Dynasty,’” said Daphne Klahr, rec commission executive director. “Riley is the future brother-in-law of one of our former employees and current volunteer, Tomas Gonzalez.”

Gonzalez arranged the actor’s pop-in visit.

The kids were not expecting to meet a celebrity when they gathered Saturday for the final session of the recreation commission’s Success for Teens program, Klahr said.

Held weekly on Saturdays beginning in April, the educational series brought teens together at the rec center, 320 S. Third St., to learn leadership skills through fun, self-directed activities.

It ended with the chicken wing cooking challenge.

After judging the wings, Riley spent time chatting with the kids and playing pool, Klahr said. He also gave each participant a $50 gift card.

The program will be offered again next spring, Klahr said, though she cannot promise any celebrity visits.

This past weekend was a busy one for the Reading Recreation Commission with two additional events for city teens, she said.

“I am thrilled with how well everything went,” Klahr said.

Activities started Friday night with the inaugural Knights at the Rec at the Third and Spruce Recreation Center.

The new program focuses on socializing in a safe environment.

It grew from discussions with city youth, who asked for more teen-specific programming.

Almost 40 teens, grades nine through 12, spent the evening playing basketball, volleyball, pool, pingpong and esports, she said, and dancing to music provided by DJ Kidd Nicee.

“One of the kids told me that ‘this was cool’ and that he ‘liked hanging with his friends,’ ” Klahr said.

The teens also enjoyed a visit from K9 officer Rex, who appeared courtesy of the Reading Police Department.

The free event was made possible with the support of volunteers from the community, the city police department, Reading School District security guards and rec center staff.

On Saturday night, the recreation commission held its first charity Boots vs. Badges basketball game.

Several hundred spectators turned out to watch members of the city police and fire departments lead opposing teams of city youth on the court in Reading High School’s Geigle Sports Complex.

“These kids are ringers. They all played better than we did, for sure,” Klahr said she overheard one firefighter say.

Klahr said the girls on the police team were thrilled to meet and play with one of the department’s women officers.

Klahr thanked Luke Schultz, a firefighter and rec commission staff member, and Officer Steve Butler for organizing the charity event.

Proceeds benefit the rec commission’s youth basketball program.