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Sep. 29--Organizers of the first-ever Kansas Book Festival say that an event celebrating reading and writing about Kansas is long overdue.
The festival runs from 9 am. to 3 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. Admission is free.
Here's what you need to know to enjoy the event.
What's the festival all about?
According to state librarian Christie Brandau, it's designed to celebrate and promote books by Kansans and about Kansas. It's also designed to encourage and reward the writers and readers of Kansas literature.
Who put it together?
The Kansas Center for the Book, the state Library of Kansas, and the Governor's Cultural Affairs Council.
Who's going to be there?
Speakers include Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas state poet laureate Jonathan Holden and TV personality Larry Hatteberg. Among the many authors expected to attend, Mike Everhart, Don Coldsmith and Lisa Hefner Heitz are scheduled to speak. Also, historical re-enactors will portray famous Kansans Amelia Earhart, Langston Hughes and Clarina Nichols.
What types of authors and what genres of books are going to be featured?
Writers of books from all genres will be attending. Expect to find books for children and young adults, science and history books, fiction, memoirs, short fiction, poetry, travel and regional writing, even graphic novels.
What book-related activities will take place?
Kansan authors will read their works, and readers can meet and talk with them during the festival. Readers can also purchase their books and get them signed.
What activities are planned for kids?
Kids can make symbol books, journals, flag quilt blocks, origami, or character masks. Also, kids can meet characters from the Wizard of Oz, hear cowboy tales and Native American stories, learn about Kansans in space, and more.
Will there be any music?
At 10:15 a.m. today, the Native American Exhibition Dancers of Wichita will perform. At 11 a.m. today, the Wichita Children's Theatre will perform "Kansas Can." At 11 a.m. Saturday, the Tropical Shores Steel Drum band will lighten the mood. And at 12:30 p.m., the Free Staters will play bluegrass.
What special events are planned?
A new biographical film of Truman Capote's work in Kansas, "Infamous," will be screened at Warren Theatre East at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are free and will be available at the festival information desk. For ticket availability, call Erin Schroeder at the Kansas Film Commission, 785-817-6273.
Where can I find more information?
Visit www.kansasbookfestival.ks.gov [http://www.kansasbookfestival.ks.gov] to view the complete schedule.
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Copyright (c) 2006, The Wichita Eagle, Kan.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.
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