A Real Page Turner
In September, as autumn leaves begin to turn in Park City, so, too, will the pages of books at the first annual Park City Liter- ary Festival. But unlike most literary festivals throughout the country, this one will integrate literary works with music, theatre, and even cuisine. The festival’s board is pursuing authors and performers who will cater to the literary desires of Parkites and bring an “edgy” feel to our small, but creatively savvy town.
Karen Dallett is the festival’s executive director, founder of the Sundance Author Series and owner of the Spotted Frog Bookstore. She says, “Park City is ready, if not yearning, for a greater integration with the arts. We have festivals for art, jazz, film—what is missing? Literature. We are
completing Park City’s creative arts circle by adding the literary element.”
The Park City Literary Festival, which is free to the public, runs from September 9-12, 2005. Kicking off the four-day festival will be a production at the Egyptian Theatre “re-creating” a theatrical collage of visiting authors’ works. Author and musician Michael Blake, who wrote “Dances with Wolves,” will lead this most unusual production.
With events ranging from dramatic readings to presentations by children’s book illustrators to a poetry slam, the festival will appeal to all age groups. Scheduled events also include musical performances; an arts-literature stroll through Main Street galleries; question and answer sessions and panel discussions with authors on their works and the writing process; a rare book analysis show; and booths promoting literary interests. Festival board member Kris Beer says authors will also visit local schools on the final day of the festival. “We want this to be a celebration of reading and inspire all ages to embrace reading as a daily habit,” she says.
The festival board has collected an impressive list of nationally renowned writers who have expressed interest in participating. “We are limited only by the funds we raise,” explains Dallett, who, along with the board, is involved in a massive fundraising effort.
Festival patrons can purchase unique dining experiences with individual authors, some of whom are chefs. There will also be a “Books and Brew” event held at the Wasatch Brew Pub, where beers will sport the names of literary characters. “Literally, no one in the country has added this culinary element,” adds Dallett. “We’re the first.”
For more information on the first-ever Park City Literary Festival, please call 435.575.2665.
Freelance writer Peta Owens-Liston specializes in magazine writing and marketing communications.
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