Tucson Festival of Books!

Last weekend, Tucson hosted its first ever Festival of Books on the University of Arizona campus. Because the organization where I work loves books and wants to promote books and literacy, we played a pretty huge part in the organization of the children's area. I along with some of my co-workers spent the entire weekend in this area coordinating volunteers and performers and making sure everything ran smoothly. Because it was the first year of the festival, we weren't so sure if that was going to be possible. Luckily, it was a HUGE success, and all of the long hours and hard work paid off. Over 30,000 people attended the event, and the children's area was touted as being one of most successful parts.

For those of you who have never attended a festival of books (I hadn't), there is certainly a lot going on. Local performers and museums presented entertainment and activities. Literacy-related vendors hosted exhibitor booths to distribute information, and TONS of authors from across the country came and did book-signings and writing workshops. The best part?? It was all FREE! After this year's success, I am sure Tucson will continue hosting these every year. Hopefully next year, I will have a chance to enjoy more of the festival, but in the meantime, here is a glimpse of this year's festivities.

The entrance to the Children's Area

Big, Green Monster at the MWFB booth (he was a huge hit!). We invited families to take home the supplies to make their own, much smaller Big, Green Monster and to visit the local library to check out the great book Go Away Big Green Monster, by Ed Emberley

A giant interactive crossword puzzle (they had one for kids, teens, and adults)

The Berenstain Bears were there (among others!)

The princesses of the children's area (Because we were the coordinators, we wore tiaras to distinguish ourselves among the hundreds of other volunteers wearing orange t-shirts.)

My husband Drew was also a trooper and came down to the Festival (POST-CALL) on Sunday afternoon to help out on the entertainment stage. Here is a little taste of his amazing MCing abilities. Thanks Drew!! You were awesome! :-D