Authors, books and fun – oh my! If you love cracking open a book to escape into a different world, then this event is just for you.
Bibliophiles and literati will gather once again at the second annual Great Valley Bookfest on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As one of the top literary events in the area, the Great Valley Bookfest will bring nearly 50 well-known authors and free, family-friendly activities to The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley Shopping Center (Bass Pro Center) in Manteca, located off of Highway 120 at the Union Road exit.
Toni Raymus, founder of The Great Valley Bookfest, described her inspiration to create the festival.
“With just an idea from the Book Festival in Decatur, Georgia, our Bookfest morphed into a fun, lively, free celebration of reading and the written word.”
Bookfest festivities will commence with a costume parade where people of all ages are invited to dress up in costume or as a character from their favorite book.
Festival-goers have the opportunity to mix and mingle with authors, purchase books, get them signed and attend author talks or poetry slams.
In addition, the Bookfest will provide self-publishing consultations and mini-workshops to teachers and aspiring writers.
If reading or writing isn’t your ‘thing,’ don’t fret.  Check out the Bon Appétit Theater where you can watch cooking demonstrations and learn tips from famous cookbook authors.
Visitors can savor items from the gourmet food trucks, enjoy live music performances, listen to motivational speakers or peruse the diverse vendor displays.
“We are also doing a fun game called Seek n’ Stamp this year where you can win an 8GB Nook HD,” Raymus said. “All you have to do is locate five portraits of famous authors scattered throughout the event area.”
For more information, please contact Toni Raymus at [email protected] or Melissa King at [email protected]