Calling All Book Lovers — to the Beach for the Florence Festival of Books

 

 

Judy Fleagle

50plus Magazine

 

Autumn is ideal for a coastal getaway, whether day trip or weekender. And for book lovers, it doesn’t get any better than Sept 24, when one of the most popular book fairs in the state — the Florence Festival of Books — is happening 10-4.

 

In its 11th year, the event had a most unusual start: shorthanded and clueless describes it perfectly.

 

I’m a nonfiction author. Years ago, children’s author Connie Bradley and I were discussing an outdoors book fair we’d participated in. The day was windy, wreaking havoc and even knocking over drinks, damaging books. Dick Smith, who worked with me on my book, Crossings, overheard us and suggested we present an event ourselves.

We laughed, but Dick was serious. He visited Florence Events Center director Kevin Rhodes, who immediately put it on the calendar. Suddenly, Connie and I were the clueless co-chairs of a book fair. However, we did have the good sense to put Dick and Kevin on the new planning committee!

 

The first year was a steep learning curve, but before long, the festival thrived, with up to 80 authors and 10 publishers participating each year. Then Covid hit, and 2020 had to be cancelled.

 

The show went on in 2021, with limited participants and vigilant health precautions. Attendance was lower, but people were so glad to be there it was still a great success. A broadcaster on site presenting remote coverage said afterward that he wished he could have gone longer as there were so many interesting people.

 

Dick Smith was honored that year, just months before he passed away at 98. A Founders Level sponsorship was created in his name, and he was presented with the hilarious “Behind the Scenes Maneuvering Award” (nicknamed the “Instigator Award”). He loved it.

 

This year, participants continue to be limited for comfort and safety. New in 2022, eBooks are welcome, and the event is held on a single day.

 

So, plan that trip to Florence this fall, circle the date Sept 24, and enjoy the beloved Florence Festival of Books. Learn more at florencefestivalofbooks.org or 541-997-9170.

 

 

 

Photo  Captions:

1) William “Bill” Sullivan will do a presentation on “D.B. Cooper and the Exploding Whale: Folk Heroes of the Northwest.”

 

2) Typical scene during the Florence Festival of Books at the Florence Events Center at 715 Quince Street in Florence on September 24, 2022.