Book Walk returns: Coming to Old Wethersfield on July 25

Photo by Mark Jahne

by Mark Jahne

Editor

The last weekend of July promises to be a busy one on Main Street in Old Wethersfield.

The Old Wethersfield Book Walk returns for a second year from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 25. That is also one of the days when the American Traveling Tribute will be on display outside the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center.

Book Walk organizers are excited about the possibilities and about building on the success of last year’s inaugural event that drew thousands of people to Main Street. They also want to take advantage of the opportunity for folks to learn about local history as this nation celebrates its 250^th anniversary.

Greg Riendeau of Cottonwood & Church, author Anna Laurie and author Jack Matthews are excited about the July 25 Old Wethersfield Book Walk.

“Last year we had more than 5,000 people. It’s going to be bigger and better this year,” author and event organizer Anna Laurie said.

The Old Wethersfield Shopkeepers Association is sponsoring this event. Organizers from that association include Greg Riendeau of Cottonwood & Church, a curated collection of vintage and modern home goods, decor, gifts and more, and Jen Labella of Birdie’s Toy Store.

Dozens of authors representing works in all genres are expected to attend. This is but one of the many Nutmeg Lit Fests held in cities and towns across the state. Wethersfield Library staff will also be on hand to promote summer reading.

“We’re bringing together more than 80 local authors,” Riendeau said.

This is how the inaugural event looked this past year.

They will be distributed in four pods along Main Street. People will have the opportunity to talk with them and buy their books. Several of the authors are military veterans and organizers believe and this fits nicely with the tribute wall exhibit.

“If you like the book, the author will sign it,” mystery writer Jack Matthews said. “We hope that parents will come with their kids. There will be something for all ages.”

One of the four author pods will feature people who write books for children. Various family activities are planned for those who visit the Book Walk.

“It’s a day to celebrate stories, people and community,” Laurie added. “It’s going to be an amazing event.”

One of several special features will be the noon announcement of the first-ever Wethersfield poet laureate. Laurie was part of the committee that selected the person whose name will be kept secret until the Book Walk. There will also be a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 11 a.m.

Matthews then spoke about the Nutmeg Lit Fest. It was designed to help authors market themselves and sell their books. There are approximately 380 members.

“We’re a statewide group. We go to vineyards, libraries” and numerous other locations, he said. WL

To learn more about the Old Wethersfield Book Walk visit oldwethersfield.com/upcoming events.