Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DID THIS BOOK FESTIVAL ORIGINATE?
Book fairs were not new to Hendersonville when the idea for this program was germinating in late 2007. A group of literary-minded individuals met to explore the potential and the challenges of creating a major annual event in celebration of books and authors. The proposed project readily gained enthusiastic support. The enterprise moved into launch mode. The inaugural event was held on May 9, 2009 and 1,000 people attended. The response made the effort quite rewarding for all involved.
WHO CAN ATTEND THE EVENT?
This book festival is free and open to the public. It is family friendly and offers an opportunity for school aged children to enter and present their works. Plan to spend the entire day as the program is quite strong until the close at 4pm.
WHERE WILL THE EVENT BE HELD?
The event is located on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College just off I-26 in Flat Rock, NC. Parking is ample and close to the buildings being used. Just follow the signs on the two days of the event. The facilities are being made available by the college and we thank them for being a key sponsoring partner.
WHO ARE THE PRINCIPAL SPONSORING AND COOPERATING PARTNERS?
Henderson County Travel & Tourism at the Visitors Center was the first community resource to commit to a sponsoring partnership.
Blue Ridge Community College provides an ideal venue at no cost.
Henderson County Education Foundation is our fiscal sponsor and guided us in becoming a legally recognized nonprofit entity.
Times-News gave plentiful free advertising space and feature/editorial coverage.
Community Foundation of Henderson County added their support.
The North Carolina Writers’ Network and its western state affiliate NCWN West, The Writers Workshop of Asheville and Together We Read were all very helpful.
WHO ARE THE FIFTY FEATURED AUTHORS?
Sixteen published and distinguished authors will offer program presentations. Their biographical summaries can be viewed on the event website. Also available is a list of approximately thirty-four exhibiting authors who will be showing their work at display tables in the center auditorium of the event.
HOW IS THE FESTIVAL BEING ORGANIZED AND MANAGED?
The planning, resource mobilization and policy development are directed by volunteers. There is no paid staff.
ARE THERE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
There are five operating committees Fundraising, Patron Relations, Program, Promotion, and Site Coordination. Your ideas and help are always welcome.
ARE THERE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES?
There are several levels of sponsorship participation with varying benefits. Since the festival is free and open to the public we must rely entirely on the generosity of sponsors.
ARE THERE ADEQUATE LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS?
Hendersonville is a popular tourist and vacation destination. There are varieties of accommodations available including bed & breakfast facilities, motels, inns, cabins and resorts—a total of almost 2,000 units!
Several of these facilities are among our event sponsors, and we recommend them for your consideration. Find them on our web site.
WILL FOOD BE AVAILABLE ON-SITE?
The event site at the Blue Ridge Community College is not located within walking distance to nearby restaurants. Lunch is available for purchase in the school cafeteria.
HOW WILL THE SHOWCASE BE PUBLICIZED?
The Promotion/Publicity Committee brings media attention to the event through local print and broadcast outlets and at some distance across the southeast. We advertise outside the local area. Our web site reaches a wide audience of prospective attendees. Posters, rack cards, flyers and such, will further the reach of our promotion.
HOW WILL BOOK SALES AND SIGNINGS BE HANDLED?
All book sales will be channeled through a central purchasing station operated by Malaprop’s Bookstore of Asheville. No author works will be sold by authors directly.
Presenting authors will generally be available for signings and visiting at a table in the room in which they appear for a period of time following their presentations. Most also will be available at later designated times at a special table for presenting authors located in the exhibit corridor. Patrons may bring books already in their possession for author signing.
HOW DO I GET TO THE EVENT SITE?
It is very easy to find from the Upward Road exit off I-26 by following the signs to Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, NC. A map and detailed directions are shown on our web site: www.BlueRidgeBookfest.org
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