MANASSAS, Va — This week marks the celebration of the 15th annual Fall For The Book Festival.
The week-long event features something for everyone, including, short story telling, panel discussions, and even food demonstrations. The theme of an event set to take place at the George Mason Prince William Campus in Manassas is “What’s cooking?”
“Over the past few years the festival has really grown in magnitude,” said Fall for the Book spokesman Art Taylor. “I am looking forward to hearing David Baldacci speak and to moderating a panel of mystery writers on Friday night. Really we offer something for everyone!”
During the week, events will take place on both the Fairfax and Prince William campuses of George Mason University. Over 120 authors will attend the event, which features Dave Barry and David Baldacci as guest speakers.
Several community groups in Prince William County are volunteering time to help with the festival.
“We’re expecting everyone from a Girl Scout troop of 12 to members of the Woman’s Club of Manassas and Lifelong Learning Institute – Manassas to attend this free event,” said Cindy Brookshire, President of Write by the Rails a Prince William writing group. “The morning of the Sept. 26 event, Historic Manassas Inc., is also expecting an impromptu visit by three of the authors – Todd and Ellen Kassoff Gray and Forrest Pritchard – at the Manassas Farmers Market at the Harris Pavilion – to visit with market patrons and promote the free evening event.”
The festival headliners include:
Dave Barry, 2013 Fairfax Prize winner, Sunday, September 22, 5 p.m.
Cheryl Strayed, 2013 Mary Roberts Rinehart Award winner, Wednesday, September 25, 5:30 p.m.
David Baldacci, 2013 Mason Award winner, Friday, September 27, 6 p.m.
A VIP meet and greet is available for people who would like to meet the authors in person. Tickets are $75 for community members or $35 for students with a student ID card.
All Fall for the Book events are free and open to the public, thanks to sponsors including George Mason University, Barnes & Noble, NOVEC, the Fairfax County Public Library, and other generous businesses and organizations.
For more information on the event, which begins on Saturday and runs through the week, visit fallforthebook.org.
*This story has been corrected.
