On Saturday the lawn of the State Capitol was filled with readers, writers, and lovers of books from all over. The Mississippi Book Festival kicked off their third literary lawn party in good fashion with opening remarks from Gov. Phil Bryant on the floor of the Senate.
Folks flocked to the Capitol to enjoy an array of activities hosted by the Mississippi Book Festival. For anyone looking to meet their favorite author, book signings were offered all day with panel authors that visitors could hear from either in the Capitol or across the street at Galloway Methodist.
Outside, there were nearly a dozen food trucks with anything from specialized hot dogs to catfish baskets and snow cones. There was something to suit everyone attending the festival.
Down Mississippi Street were tents of book sellers, publishing companies and even artists there to sell their works and celebrate their crafts. Guests also had the chance to walk through the Author’s Alley. This was an area dedicated to authors who were not participating on a panel but wanted to come and sell their own work.
A little further down the road was the Kids Corner, where the little ones could enjoy some games and crafts while learning more about literature and what kind of books might interest them most.
The panel topics ranged from poetry, to mystery, and even to young adult writing. With over 150 authors participating on panels guests were sure to find something that peaked their interest. This year highlighted some fan favorites like Richard Ford and Greg Isles as well as some fresh faces to the literary world like Angie Thomas, author of “The Hate U Give.”
Year three may be over but the festival crew is already getting ready for 2018 so be sure to make your way back to the capitol next year for the literary lawn party.
