First Booksville Festival Celebrates Literacy and Community

Saturday, January 25, began as a very chilly day, prompting locals to bundle up in thick jackets, hats and layers to attend Brooksville’s first-ever Booksville festival. Sponsored and hosted by the Brooksville Women’s Club, the event was a joyful celebration of books and literacy. Booksellers, local authors and artists lined both sides of the blocked-off Main Street, greeting curious families, groups of friends, and happy pet dogs who came out to see what this event was all about.

Locals of all ages browsed the used and new books and art collections under the various tents while others engaged eager authors in meaningful conversations about their work. The proud authors with decorated tables boasting their books were happy to talk, answer questions, or offer advice and inspiration to visitors and potential fans. Book genres varied greatly, ranging from gardening and protecting the environment to true crime and poetry.

A handful of food trucks kept the assembly fed and hydrated as a small parade of costumed bookworms dressed as their favorite book character made their way up the street, with Kevin Herbert dressed as Ebenezer Scrooge from The Christmas Carol leading the way. Activities included a children’s spelling bee, an art contest, and an opportunity for authors to read portions of their work and take questions. Congratulations to the spelling bee winners: second grader Anna Sexton, third grader Rayah Rodriguez and ninth grader Casey Connor.

Event organizer Natalie Kahler said the event was a resounding success. “I’ve been reading through the posts and comments this morning (a bit weepily I admit) at how much people enjoyed the day. Authors sold an abundance of books and were encouraged to keep honing their craft. Attendees enjoyed the uplifting nature of the event,” said Kahler.

Tammy Heon, tourism development manager, commended the Booksville Planning Committee, “Let me say ‘Congratulations!’ to you all. It was a wonderful event, one that I was proud to sponsor and enjoyed attending very much.

“Your vendors and authors were delightful and delighted. The attendees were all smiling and having fun. All the shops I visited were busy and the mood was festive. Bob from Easy Street could not say enough about the folks that visited his shop; many new to Brooksville just for the event and all loving our community.

“You all deserve a great round of applause and many thanks for creating such a positive event for our community. I look forward to next year!”

This creative and fun festival gave the community an occasion to bump into old friends and acquaintances and to make new ones. And the showcasing of our local talent was inspiring. Hopefully, this festival is the first of many more to come.

Booksville Festival

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