It takes a lot of planning to hold a book festival as good as the one I attended this weekend at Cape Elizabeth, South Portland, Maine. The attention to detail made it a great experience for those promoting their books and for readers eager to meet creators and buy books. In the preceding week authors and illustrators visited schools, libraries and other venues, giving presentations and raising awareness for the event. At the Authorfest itself thoughtful table layout, bright table coverings, bobbing balloons and hand drawn name signs gave the hall a lively air. Sixty or so authors and illustrators kept busy all day talking to the public, with plenty of presentations going on to keep the crowds entertained.
Volunteers kept us hydrated with bottles of water and staved off the legendary hunger that comes from selling books with little snacks in baskets plied by happy kids. After the crowds drifted away the booksellers tackled the mounds of boxes and packages, and we were treated to a wonderful lobster bake! Doesn't get better than that ... ah-yuh.
Thank you for a lovely day, Cape Elizabeth! See you next year!
Toodles!
Hazel
