Our 20th Anniversary festival was a fantastic success!

What’s the recipe for a successful literary festival? 

Let's start with readings by six Canadian writers who inspire and entertain.

Add an enthusiastic, standing-room-only audience.

Our resident bookseller (Roxanne's Reflections Book and Card Shop in Fergus)

and MC extraordinaire (yup, that's Roxanne showing off her dance moves)

supervises the set-up of her mini-bookshop, aided by some enthusiastic

volunteers.

Why not include a post-readings reception and an illuminating Q&A with the authors?

Of course you also need treats and snacks galore. (Yes, there was wine!)

Throw in an intermission that features a chance to mingle and chat, and then applaud the winners (the young and no-so-young!) of the annual short story contest.

And how about offering a bookshop in the lobby?

On Sunday, May 25 in Aboyne, Ont., the sun was shining and the Museum garden was in bloom – who could ask for more?

Patricia and Laura, ready to take tickets.

Authors Brad Smith and Anita Stewart chill in theGreen Room before

the readings.

Authors Susanna Kearsley, Scott Chantler and Mary Swan

relax with snacks before the readings get underway.

Scott Chantler keeps the audience spellbound as

he explains the background of his graphic novel, Two Generals.

Andrew Pyper reads to a packed house

in Aboyne Hall at the Wellington County Museum.

“Thank you for a wonderful event last Sunday,” said one of the contest winners who was in attendance. “I was thrilled with my prize and learned so much from the Q&A session. Writers are so generous and encouraging to other writers. I hope to attend every year!”

Yes, another successful Elora Writers’ Festival is done, and the hardworking committee is already looking ahead to next year.

Stay tuned for information about some upcoming new initiatives we’re working on, such as the EWF Book Club and an evening of Books & Beer. Details to follow!

Thanks to our six authors – Mary Swan, Brad Smith, Anita Stewart, Scott Chantler, Susanna Kearsley and Andrew Pyper – as well as our volunteers, sponsors and (of course!) all those who came out to support and celebrate great Canadian writing.

We can’t wait until Festival 2015!

Treats from Fergies of Fergus. Yes, those are edible notebooks!