The Sierra Arts Foundation is preparing to launch its first-ever Sierra Arts Book Fest, a free, family-friendly celebration of northern Nevada’s literary talent, next Saturday in downtown Sparks.
Scheduled for October 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the community event will take place outdoors next to the train in downtown Sparks and is open to the public.
More than two dozen local authors, poets, and illustrators will be on hand, representing a wide range of genres including children’s books, romance, travel writing, fantasy, and thrillers. Guests can meet authors, attend readings, buy books, and get them signed.
Visitors are encouraged to dress as their favorite literary characters.
Kids can take part in hands-on craft activities led by student volunteers from Spanish Springs High School, and families can explore the whimsical “Magical Fairy Village.”
The event will also feature raffle prizes, giveaways and refreshments from Pizen & Wine Mobile Thirst Parlor.
Sparks Councilmembers Donald Abbot and Joe Rodriguez have each donated $100 gift certificates as raffle prizes. Rodriguez will also deliver a City of Sparks Proclamation recognizing the festival later in the afternoon.
“The Sierra Arts Book Fest is a natural extension of our work to highlight just how robust and creative the artists are in our region,” said Tracey Oliver, executive director of Sierra Arts Foundation. “We are excited to celebrate the literary voices currently shaping our area and encourage the community to support this important work by joining us in person.”
The festival will showcase more than 100 titles from local writers, with a wide mix of returning authors and emerging voices from across the region.
The event is presented by Sierra Arts Foundation and supported by the Sierra Arts Literary Community, the City of Sparks, and the Depot Gallery & Bookstore.
More information is available at www.sierraarts.org.