Our first Festival Day was a huge success!
We had no idea what to expect. After six months of planning, we opened the doors at 11am on Saturday, Nov 16 and found A LINE of people waiting to get in. And that line continued for the entire day. 1,300 of you showed up. It brought tears to our eyes. So many happy families, so many excited young readers, so much book love.
We took many notes about the day and also collected feedback. As we move forward with our plans for 2025, we will be looking for ways to make more room so no one has to wait outside. That is our goal!
Thank you so much to the community for embracing this new venture. We couldn't do this without you.
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Photos courtesy of Bill Trueit
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Authors, Illustrators and Volunteers gathered just before the doors opened.
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Students from Richard Gordon Elementary sold copies of the book they wrote about their school's namesake.
Author Ellie Peterson talks to a young reader about her picture book, A Geoduck is Not a Duck..
Festival Founder and author, Suzanne Selfors, signs a copy of her newest novel, Ratty.
Face-painting was a hit, thanks to sponsorship from Princess Palace Face Painting.
Front Door Volunteers were busy, busy, busy, handing out Passports and greeting families.
The Newbery Tent gave readers the chance to meet three Newbery authors and ask lots of questions.
The crowds kept showing their love!
Visiting with Newbery author, Donna Barba Higuera.
Author, Jessixa Bagley, signed a zillion books!
Author/Illustrators Faith Pray and Kristin Varner competed in a wild game of Draw Wars.
Author/Illustrator Andrea Fritz gifts a drawing to a fan.
Ben Clanton and Andy Musser signed stacks of books and made young readers very happy.
Volunteers Kerrie, Sue, Marilyn and Helene were busy in the Green Room making lunches for the authors.
Graphic Novel creator, Laura Knetzger, was a festival favorite.
WA State Book Award winner, Wil Taylor, introduced readers to his new book.
Families could buy Spanish books for the Kitsap Immigration Assistance Center.
The Kitsap Regional Library had librarians on hand all day to help kids get library cards.
Committee Volunteers and Founders took a moment to reflect on an amazing experience.