Monday, February 18, 2019

Book Fairs and Festivals by Elizabeth Alsobrooks


Have you attended a book festival or fair lately?  You should. There are plenty of them around, and all of them come with some wonderful benefits for both readers and writers. Some of the more obvious benefits are lots of books in every genre along with authors to sign and answer questions about them. There are theme fests and genre fests and even book fests for children. Many of the larger book fairs have diverse entertainment that include such events as music, storytelling, author panels and writing workshops, and host numerous celebrities, along with interactive activities for kids of all ages.


Books aren’t the only draw for potential attendees. State parks, museums and other organizations host booths with displays and activities for adults and kids at book fests. There are musicians, dancers, characters in costume, cooking demonstrations, and exotic and traditional food, jewelry, clothing and novelty vendors.

 So what are you waiting for? Google search a book fair near you. If you’re looking for a really good one in the Tucson area, I’ll see you March 2-3 at the Tucson Festival of Books on the University of Arizona campus, just me and around 135,000 or so of my favorite book fest enthusiasts.  It's supposed to be in the 70's and sunny!




3 comments:

Nancy Gideon said...

And SOOOOO much fun . . . and work. Shhhhhh, I didn't say that. But there is reward! Books! Books everywhere! And awesome kettle corn! And sometimes, men in kilts!

Elizabeth Alsobrooks said...

LOL! I know, I LOVE the men in kilts, blowing their bagpipes...just saying!

Diane Burton said...

I love book fairs and similar events. Last year, I participated in 1o events in the west Michigan area plus one in Alpena (Up North to Michiganders). Some were sponsored by bookstores, others were craft & vendor shows, many organized by local churches or schools. Great way to meet readers plus those who "don't have time to read." LOL I'd love to come out to AZ for the Tucson Fair. I've heard great things about it from Nancy and others, like Ed Hoorneart. Have fun!