Reading Rocks in Rockford

 Today was an event I've been trying to get into for several years. It's a little different from the average vendor event. The focus is on getting kids to read. You can sell books that are general audience, but you are supposed to have at least one title that is aimed at a younger audience- everything from toddlers to teens.

It was a very well-run event. First of all, they appreciate authors. You pay a deposit when you are accepted, but if you show up for the event you get that money back. They provided a light breakfast, and a free slice of pizza for lunch to all authors. Authors are not asked to donate a book for prizes. (That annoys me slightly... especially at events where we already pay a fairly stiff fee to get in.)

They have games, crafts, and activities for kids. Every time someone bought a book from one of the 34 authors they got a "ticket" which was entered into a drawing for two nice prize baskets at the end of the day.

This is the Rockford Book Bus. The library got a grant to create this mobile library that carries only books for kids up through about 6th grade. I didn't get a chance to ask how it operates, but I assume it has scheduled stops around the Rockford area throughout the summer.

There was also the regular Bookmobile, and the library was right across the street with a "bag of books for $5" sale. Certain authors were also giving programs.

Every single vendor was an author selling their own books. The picture was taken before it actually opened, so it looks bare, but there were plenty of people who came.

Lots of families came out. The organizers have done a fantastic job of drawing the local audience to this event.

There was an area where there were dogs who had been somehow approved as safe and were available for kids to pet. They all wore little jackets that said they were pettable.

I saw this lady come into the area and thought she was bringing a big dog. Nope! It was a small horse. Her name is Flicka, and she let everyone pet her.

Actually I saw more kids enjoying the real animals than these kind. A couple of little ones were kinda freaked out at the costumes. There was a dog, a tiger, and this elephant.

So, will I do this again? I will recommend it in a heartbeat. I did reasonably well in sales. But, here's the thing. It is always on the first Saturday in June which is also National Trails Day. That meant I had to miss our trail chapter's event which also included a short business meeting. It's a tough decision. Guess I'll see how I feel about it next April when it will be time to apply again.

I thought I could get in some garden work when I got home, but it started raining immediately after I arrived. And then there is the energy factor. I should try to do a little something else tonight, but I am tired, and I have plans for tomorrow too.

Maybe a little spark of energy will appear from somewhere yet this evening. Maybe not.

See Other People's Flowers