Florida’s rich and colorful literary heritage will be celebrated September 11-12 when the Florida Heritage Book Festival returns to St. Augustine. Featuring presentations by outstanding Florida authors, writing workshops and a keynote presentation by U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, the festival is sure to delight book lovers and inspire aspiring authors.
The Florida Heritage Book Festival kicks off on Friday, September 11, with a full day of writers workshops held in the Flagler Ballroom of St. Augustine’s Casa Monica Hotel. Presented by best-selling authors and publishing professionals, the workshops cover a wide range of topics related to the craft of writing and how to get published. Registration for the workshops is $60. In addition, festival writers will be making presentation throughout the day at all of St. Johns County’s public schools.
Throughout Saturday, September 12, the festival will feature presentations by more than 20 outstanding authors – including Stetson Kennedy and Dr. Michael Gannon. Topics will cover all facets of writing, as well as how to get published. Admission to these presentations, which take place on the campus of Flagler College, is free of charge. The keynote luncheon speaker will be U.S. Senator Mel Martinez who will speak about his assimilation into American society and living the American dream. Reservations for the 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. luncheon are $45 each.
All proceeds from the Florida Heritage Book Festival benefit the St. Johns County Friends of the Library organizations and the Newspaper in Education program sponsored by The St. Augustine Record. The Florida Heritage Book Festival is supported in part by a grant from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council.
Full details on the 2009 Florida Heritage Book Festival, including reservations and ticket purchases, may be found at the festival’s official website www.fhbookfest.com .
Every month antique dealers and art galleries in the Old City’s San Marco District present an event called Uptown Saturday Night. This is event comes with a festive party atmosphere combined with hospitality and special deals. The event takes place on the last Saturday of each month. San Marco Avenue comes to life with lively street music and here you can find antiques, rare books – even authentic Spanish treasure. There’s always something going on – from book stores provide reading and book signings by authors to art galleries features some the best Florida artists. You also get an opportunity to mingle with artists, authors and art lovers. Many participating shops also serve wine and refreshments.
fast. Savannah’s own culinary celebrity – Paula Deen – headlines this event, which will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 12 noon on Telfair Square. After the brunch, Paula will sign books for her fans.