Readers and writers will take over downtown Smiths Falls this weekend as the town hosts its inaugural Smiths Falls Literary Festival.
“Small Town, Big Stories” runs Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20, featuring author panels, live entertainment, community programming and a youth writing initiative at several locations throughout town.
Jennifer Levac, owner of The Book’s Better, said Jeff Murphy, the town’s tourism, arts and culture coordinator, approached her about helping plan a literary event that would bring writers, readers and storytellers together.
“Of course, I was very excited to be involved,” Levac said.
Through the bookstore, Levac helped develop the festival lineup, connect with authors and plan the panels. She will also serve as the on-site bookseller and help with author meet-and-greets and book signings.
Levac said selecting authors was difficult because of the number of local and Ontario writers who could have been included.
“We wanted to create a diverse lineup that showcased both debut authors and more established voices in the literary community, while giving readers an opportunity to discover something new,” she said.
The festival brings together authors from across Ontario for discussions covering non-fiction, fiction, romance, young adult literature, mystery and crime, fantasy and eco-literacy.
Saturday’s programming begins with an opening ceremony at 9:45 a.m. featuring guest speaker Dennis Staples, followed by a non-fiction panel with Ted Outerbridge and Doug Phillips.
Other participating authors throughout the weekend include Lavanya Lakshmi, Heidi Reimer, Anuja Varghese, Ruby Barrett, Kate Cole, Jennifer Whiteford, Brenda Chapman, Tamara L. Miller, Katie Tallo, Amanda Connolly, Kate Heartfield and Elle Wither.
Botanist, author and environmentalist Diana Beresford-Kroeger will be featured during an eco-literacy panel Sunday afternoon presented by the Rideau Roundtable. Closing ceremonies and awards are scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Smiths Falls Royal Canadian Legion.
The weekend also includes Songwriting & Storytelling with Nick Di Gaetano and Pat Maloney at Bowie’s on Saturday afternoon, followed by a cabaret-style mystery theatre fundraiser featuring local illusionists Ted and Marion Outerbridge Saturday evening at the legion. Jim Bryson performs at Bowie’s Sunday night.
A youth writing contest, presented with local public schools and the Smiths Falls Public Library, is also part of the festival. Selected submissions are expected to be published in book form.
Levac said there has been considerable interest from readers, participating authors and other local writers leading up to the inaugural event.
“My hope is that the festival will become an annual event that people look forward to, while continuing to grow the literary community here in Smiths Falls,” she said.
The festival is organized by the Town of Smiths Falls in partnership with the Rotary Club of Smiths Falls, The Book’s Better, Smiths Falls Public Library and staff from Duncan J. Schoular Public School, with support from Arlie’s Bookstore and Bowie’s.
Tickets are available online and through The Book’s Better at 14 Russell St. E. Some events require separate tickets or reservations.
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