Oklahoma Book Festival

Oklahoma Book Festival

This past week-end was the second Oklahoma Book Festival in Oklahoma City at the boathouse district. Last year  was a good festival in October, although quite cold when the wind blew across the river. This year, in September, we had rain early in the day, but the weather improved in the afternoon. However, both festivals were worth the cold and rain. There were over 100 authors, poets, and illustrators present. I was on a "From the pages of History" panel with Desiree Webber. I discussed my children's book, "Toby and the Secret Code". Desiree discussed her book, "The Buffalo Train Ride". It was moderated by Gaye Sanders who wrote "The Survivor Tree". Both are lovely ladies to work with, and being on the panel was great fun.

There were many food trucks present, and many vendors selling a variety of goods. My publisher, Doodle and Peck, sold books there. Of course, there were plenty of activities for children. I especially liked the couple on stilts spreading their butterfly wings.

The night before the event, the presenters, panelists, and volunteers were invited to a Meet-and-Greet at the Oklahoma History Center. We had delicious food and were able to tour the history center. It was a very educational evening. 

   Authors Glenda and Jane enjoying the evening at the Oklahoma History Center Meet-and-Greet.

                      I'm pictured with fellow authors and volunteers at the Oklahoma History Center.



I like the idea of the Oklahoma Book Festival because it's free to the public. If you have a large family, there are no tickets to buy. It's just free and well worth it. Many people volunteer to help out, and they are definitely needed throughout the day. There are many people behind the scenes who want to make this event a success, and they work hard to do so. I thank them for their time and efforts to pull off such a big book festival.

Photo taken from the fourth floor of the tower showing a few brave people in the rain, but still paddling along in the river.

If you haven't joined in and been a part of the Oklahoma Book Festival, or volunteered to help out, you've missed out on a great event. I think the third book festival will be in September of 2020. Come listen to authors, poets, and illustrators. You'll enjoy it. Your whole family will like it, too. It's worth the effort to come to the boathouse district in Oklahoma City.