T-Shirts Now Available
2009 Book Festival T-shirts with image by Jamie Smith, Alaskan cartoonist extraordinaire.
We have Book Festival 100 % cotton T-shirts in sizes Medium, Large, X-Large available for sale ($20 each). Call 474-7021 if you are interested in purchasing a shirt.
2009 Alaska Book Festival
The third annual Alaska Book Festival, presented by University of Alaska Fairbanks Summer Sessions and Lifelong Learning, looked to the past, focusing on the 2009 theme, Historically Alaska. Authors from around the state gathered to share ideas and comments about their own works relating to the state’s history; they also gave a nod to the future by offering guidance on the writing process.
The celebration began with an address by Willie Hensley, an Inupiaq Eskimo form Kotzebue. While Hensley spent much of his adult life in the political arena — he served in the Alaska House of Representatives and the Senate, was president of an Alaska village corporation, and served on various committees and boards in the state, among other things — he is also an author. Hensley’s speech reflected what he hoped to accomplish with his memoir, “Fifty Miles from Tomorrow: A Memoir of Alaska and the Real People.”
“We need to remember our heritage, and what better way to do that than with the written word? That is what these authors have done,” he said prior to the event.
The festival included readings, workshops, lectures and even some music throughout the three-day schedule. Participating authors and presenters included Tricia Brown, Dermot Cole, Terrence Cole, Brian Garfield, Stephen Haycox, Sarah Crawford Isto, Kaylene Johnson, Anne Foster, Jane Haigh, Carol Kaynor, Marsha Munsell, Kathy Kurtenbach, Sue Mitchell, David James, Tanya Mendelowitz, Claus-M. Naske, Johnny B., Kyle Joly, Jean Lester and Jorgy Jorgenson, Lael Morgan, Nicole Stellon O'Donnell, Sharon Bushell, Stan Jones, Mary Sheilds, Deb Vanasse, Neil Davis, and Dan O'Neill.
Most events were held at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks. The focus on history proved popular. More than 70 folks participated in the three historical walks included in the festival schedule. Jane Haigh and Terrence Cole led walks in the city of Fairbanks with Jane starting her walk at the Noel Wien Library and Terrence starting at the Immaculate Conception Church. Anne Foster joined by staff from Pioneer Park provided an historical tour of Pioneer Park for an appreciative audience. Anne Foster in turn of the century attire gave a presentation on early 20th Century Fairbanks cuisine that brought smiles to all.
The third annual Book Festival did exactly what Summer Sessions Director Michelle Bartlett hopes all festivals will do:
“Celebrate the wonderful writers in Alaska and the beauty of the written word.”
We look forward to seeing you at the 2010 Alaska Book Festival.
Links
click on image to view photos or slideshow from the 3rd Annual Alaska Book Festival
Photos by Doris Pfalmer and Todd Paris