The Eighth Annual Easton Book Festival, taking place from October 12 to October 18, will include children's shows, book discussions, workshops, and poetry readings among its 100 planned programs across 14 venues. Darrell Parry, president of the board of directors for the festival, estimates that over 200 authors will participate. Notably, author visits to local schools will cover all elementary and middle schools in Easton, excluding high schools.
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Children's activities are scheduled at the Easton Area Public Library, and local authors will have booths at the Easton Farmers Market on October 17 and the Sigal Museum on October 18. Open mic events and poetry readings are planned at venues like the Book and Puppet Co., the Quadrant Book Shop, and the Easton Public Market, with an additional open mic in Centre Square on October 16.
Parry, an active poet himself, highlighted the thriving poetry scene in the Lehigh Valley, stating, "Poetry is everywhere." The festival continues to evolve as organizers assess the effectiveness of past programs and adapt accordingly. Parry noted that community engagement through social media allows for diverse programming, and participation in events does not require advance registration.
Reflecting on the festival's origin in 2019, Parry recalled the initial team of five who managed all aspects of the event. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted a swift transition to online programming, which has remained part of the festival's offering.
In addition to the festival, poetry events are prevalent throughout the year in the Lehigh Valley, many of which are open mic nights. Parry emphasized the inclusivity of the poetry community, describing it as a safe space for diverse voices and personal stories. He noted the intersection of the local punk scene with poetry, highlighting the common venues and connections between the two cultural movements.
Many local poets have published works, including Parry, whose book "Twists: Gathered Ephemera" was released in 2023. However, he expressed that his focus lies more on performance than publication.
For more information on the festival, visit the Easton Book Festival website.