On April 14, 2024, Victoria Park Pavilion in Kitchener hosted (well, Eerie River Publishing hosted and organised; the Pavilion merely accommodated) a Book Fair and Bookish Market. Around 35 local (KW, Cambridge, Hamilton, London, etc.) authors and crafters gathered together to showcase their art, and I had the privilege of being one of them.
I have now participated in 4 book fairs, with a good number of others lined up in the coming months. So far, this has proved the most successful one for me. It also felt like the best attended, and part of that might have had to do with the venue. The Pavilion is situated in Victoria Park, which has a lot of space for walking, biking, picnicking, or playing. Add to that a glorious sunny and warm day (especially for mid-April in Ontario), and you have a perfect combination for visitors. A playground within sight of the Pavilion had a constant crowd of happy children, the paths were well travelled, the open spaces overlooking the water well utilised. This undoubtedly brought in additional folks to those who already knew about the Book Fair. And that, of course, generated additional interest and discoveries to our event, beyond what word-of-mouth and advertising induced.
It's wonderful to see so much interest in the written word and in a desire to support local talent--of which we have plenty! I met some first-time vendors (one of whom even sold out her stock and took to arranging future deliveries of her work) and reacquainted myself with authors I met at previous fairs, and hope to see again soon. We have a great community of artists who support each other, whether by sharing our experiences--the challenges and rewards of writing, publishing, and selling (interacting with strangers isn't always easy for some of us introverts)--providing encouragement and welcome, or buying another artist's work. It's gratifying to be part of a group who seek to lift one another up rather than put anyone down.
For those who didn't do as well at this particular event, keep trying; keep holding on to your dream; keep sharing your hard work. The next event might lighten you soul. We all have good and bad days, and each new effort will bring something to inspire, even if it's only a bright smile, or a man who tries to make everyone laugh. We're all here for you, and we're grateful for your support!
I have now participated in 4 book fairs, with a good number of others lined up in the coming months. So far, this has proved the most successful one for me. It also felt like the best attended, and part of that might have had to do with the venue. The Pavilion is situated in Victoria Park, which has a lot of space for walking, biking, picnicking, or playing. Add to that a glorious sunny and warm day (especially for mid-April in Ontario), and you have a perfect combination for visitors. A playground within sight of the Pavilion had a constant crowd of happy children, the paths were well travelled, the open spaces overlooking the water well utilised. This undoubtedly brought in additional folks to those who already knew about the Book Fair. And that, of course, generated additional interest and discoveries to our event, beyond what word-of-mouth and advertising induced.
It's wonderful to see so much interest in the written word and in a desire to support local talent--of which we have plenty! I met some first-time vendors (one of whom even sold out her stock and took to arranging future deliveries of her work) and reacquainted myself with authors I met at previous fairs, and hope to see again soon. We have a great community of artists who support each other, whether by sharing our experiences--the challenges and rewards of writing, publishing, and selling (interacting with strangers isn't always easy for some of us introverts)--providing encouragement and welcome, or buying another artist's work. It's gratifying to be part of a group who seek to lift one another up rather than put anyone down.
For those who didn't do as well at this particular event, keep trying; keep holding on to your dream; keep sharing your hard work. The next event might lighten you soul. We all have good and bad days, and each new effort will bring something to inspire, even if it's only a bright smile, or a man who tries to make everyone laugh. We're all here for you, and we're grateful for your support!
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