By Karen Wallace, Osborne Public Library
The final chapter of the 2010 Sunflower State Book Festival has come to an end. In case you missed the opportunity to attend the festival, the following is a short summary that will let you know what to look forward to next year.
A family enjoys the Festival
The Friday evening kickoff event was an open house for Don Coldsmith Award winner, Nancy Pickard. Nancy greeted the public with enthusiasm and spent a lot of time with individuals looking for some writing tips. She was thrilled to receive the Don Coldsmith award as he was a great friend and mentor to her. After the open house, Harvey’s Coffee and Kitchen was open for a presentation by Elizabeth Black. Several authors came to town for these events and it gave the public a sneak preview of what would be taking place on Saturday.
Nancy Pickard wins the Coldsmith Award
Bright and early Saturday morning a breakfast was hosted on site for the authors as they began to arrive at the New Gym to set up their booths and to talk to one another. Authors came from all across the state, from Kansas City, MO and Loveland, CO, from Norton to Wichita, from Greensburg to Merriam and in between. At 10 AM the doors opened to the public.
There was a chance to purchase signed copies of books of all genres. Western, mystery, poetry and children’s books were represented by several authors. Two different authors had biographies about Kansas women. There were nonfiction books about WW II and railroads. Books about helping others with depression and how to deal with bullies were also represented. Then there were books about growing up on Kansas farms and the lessons that were taught on them. There was also a book on the Greensburg tornado. There was a book for everyone.
Author Dan Yunk talks to children
Every hour there were numbers drawn to give away books by the authors in attendance. A total of 36 books were given away.
It was a great day for attendees and authors alike. This ending has left the committee feeling jubilant and ready to tackle another year. Follow ups to the festival can be seen on our Facebook fan page at http://tinyurl.com/29uwzhd Coming soon to www.sunflowerbookfest.com will be pictures of the authors and links to their interviews. Mark your calendars for October 7th & 8th, 2011 for the next Sunflower State Book Festival.