Book it to Winnsboro for the town’s Annual Festival of Books
Only 2 hours from DFW, it’s literally the best weekend get-away!
Winnsboro Center for the Arts is excited to announce its 6th Annual Festival of Books on Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event allows guests to meet and chat with a number of authors, partake in a novel array of literary activities for all ages and leisurely stroll the picturesque streets of Winnsboro’s downtown Cultural Arts District. The event, on The Bowery in downtown Winnsboro, is FREE for guests and just a quick two-hour drive from Dallas-Fort Worth.
This year’s event features emcee Michael Guinn, a talented Texas poet, author and actor. Mr. Guinn will lead a captivating workshop on instant poetry followed by an open mic poetry slam where participants can showcase their talents. Guinn, an East Texas native, is a two-time National Poetry Slam finalist, a five-time Austin Poetry Slam winner, six-time Fort Worth Poetry Slam winner and a winner at the Toronto Poetry Slam.
Attendees at the festival will have the chance to peruse and purchase books from a selection of published authors from all over East Texas who will be available for signings.
For younger guests, there will be a variety of engaging children’s literacy events to enjoy throughout the day. Activities include arts & crafts, story time and an enrollment station for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Throughout the event, book festival guests can meander in and out of downtown Winnsboro’s nine blocks of unique galleries, delightful restaurants and eclectic shops. Stop in for a morning latte at Backstage Coffee or a full breakfast at Haven’s Café. Do lunch at Barrel House Bar & Grill, Maria’s Taqueria, Sinclair Market or Z’s Main Street. Try one of Winnsboro’s barbeque joints recently featured in Texas Monthly, or if you feel like a cold beer, walk over to Cypress Creek Southern Ales brewery, “just behind the old train depot on the south side of the tracks.”
Pick up some handmade soaps and Texas teas at Elm Street Apothecary and admire stunning estate jewelry at The Edison Exchange. Find incredible art, unique gifts and women’s and men’s apparel for the modern country lifestyle at Modern Country Living. Check out one-of-a-kind treasures at Wood County Antique Mall or stop by the Farmer’s Market for locally grown produce, baked goods, fresh jams and jellies.
“We are excited to bring writers and readers to Winnsboro for a day that will have imaginations soaring and words coming to life,” said Tona Blizzard, Winnsboro Center for the Arts festival chair. “This event is a celebration of literature, creativity and community, and a delight for all ages.”
In 2009, Winnsboro was one of the first Texas towns chosen by the Texas Commission for the Arts (TCA) for its Cultural Arts District pilot program, making it the ideal setting for this annual event. The TCA program supports communities with thriving cultural and artistic resources.
Winnsboro’s Cultural Arts District is anchored by Winnsboro Center for the Arts, whose goal is to bring educational programming, cultural experiences and entertainment to the people of Winnsboro and surrounding East Texas communities. The center is a vibrant venue that hosts concerts, theater productions, art exhibits, classes and workshops, and literary events. Its Bowery Stage has attracted well-known performers such as Michael Martin Murphey and Sara Hickman. Winnsboro is also part of the Texas Historical Commission’s Main Street Texas program which supports the preservation of the town’s unique characteristics.
For more information about the Festival of Books event, visit the website.
ABOUT WINNSBORO CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Winnsboro Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Winnsboro, Texas. As a multi-disciplinary arts center, it serves communities throughout Northeast Texas, engaging people in educational programming, cultural experiences, and entertainment.
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