Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at UCLA

The annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books takes place this weekend, April 25-26, 2009!

A great event not to be missed. Here is an article I wrote last year:

Freedom of speech prevails at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on the UCLA campus. Where else can you find a booth promoting “Destiny’s Damned & Satan’s Scat,” next to a woman handing out “Jews for Jesus” literature, and the Book Zone selling Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama bobble-heads?

“What exactly is the Festival of Books?” says newcomer Phil Beron upon arrival to UCLA’s campus, dumbfounded at the crowds. An estimated 140,000 people attend the event throughout the weekend. The goal is, “to bring together the people who create books with the people who love to read them,” according to the Festival of Books webpage.

The festival is about so much more than volumes of manuscripts. Although paperbacks and hardbacks on seemingly every topic imaginable are found as far as the eye can see. 20 percent off! Half price! Only $5! Bookstores such as Border’s are found near independent publishing companies selling their literature at discounted prices. An author can often be found autographing copies for customers.

Over 500 author’s—famous as well as new writer’s—can be found signing books and answering questions on stage. Julie Andrews, Maria Shriver and Ray Bradbury are among the many participants. Over 100 indoor lecture panels were scheduled as well as storytelling occurring at temporary booths set up outside throughout campus.

All ages are spotted enjoying the festivities. An elderly couple dancing arm and arm in front of live performance on a stage sponsored by the South African tourism industry. Hundreds of children gathered around a performance by a man on stilts at the Jumbo Shrimp Circus tent.

Temperatures soared as children splashed and played in decorative water fountains on college grounds. Entrepreneurs took full advantage selling lemonade for $5. Lucky passers-by received free Smart Water bottles handed out by company spokespeople. To collect waste, see-through bags, “Recyclables only!” were found throughout campus.

Variety and entertainment catered to those of all ages. The festival began almost a decade ago in 1994, and is dependent largely on volunteers. To continue the tradition, people are encouraged to volunteer and can contact the following website http://www.troutco.com/fob to help out for next year’s festivities.