| 7/27/2010 8:45:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Reading Rocks on - for second installment
Jeannie Gregory
Editor
Rockford boasts one of the most accomplished school districts in the state. Those who do not live within the 99-square-mile district limit wonder how Rockford has attained so much. People who live in the district know why - it is because the community is always banding together and working toward a goal.
The goal for organizers of Reading Rocks in Rockford is obviously to share a love of all things about the written word. Rockford Rotary are the hosts of the reading festival and it is slated to take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7.
The festival features published authors, a parade, a publishing center, book signings, workshops, Rockford athletes reading to the crowd, Rockford choirs performing and plenty of surprises.
"This is a really exceptional opportunity that I am excited to see for our young people," said Kathy Munger, a Rockford Public School reading specialist, and one of the organizers of the event.
The festival organizers are utilizing two stages - one at Garden Park and the Author Showcase. The Rotary Pavilion will be the setting for the "Story within You" Publishing Center. Many of the authors will be mentoring young writers, showing them the importance of reading and writing.
Authors Row will be sure to be a big hit. Attendees will be able to walk down the line of the booths of published authors and check out their works. Some of the featured authors are Kevin Kammeraad, Jeffrey Schatzer, Phyllis Dolislager, Tricia L. McDonald, Elizabeth Raum, Renee Hand and Jean Eister.
Also on hand will be a tent sponsored by The Reading Tree that will feature authors Lisa Wheeler and Hope Vestaguard, who will be personally autographing books.
The festival will also be highlighting the work of author Albert Bell.
"I think the community is really going to enjoy meeting an 'up and coming' author," said Robin Macqueen, a Rockford teacher.
Bell is known for his book, "The Secret of the Lovely Grave," a book that was written in the same vein as the Harry Potter series.
There will be workshops, some geared for younger authors, and some geared toward adults. Dolislager will present, "Take Publishing into Your Own Hands/Internet Publishing and You." Dolislager has published "Lessons Learned on the Farm," and "Who Hit the Down Button." Dolislager grew up on a farm in Courtland Township. Dolislager's workshop is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.
McDonald will follow with a presentation at 12:30 p.m. entitled "Time to Write." The author will walk those interested through the steps to getting a memoir published and how to attract an agent.
A Community Book Discussion is scheduled at Krause Memorial Library from 2-3 p.m. The topic will be Gary Schmidt's "Trouble," a Newberry Award-winning book.
To add to the excitement, D&W Fresh Market is providing a Kindle Wireless Reading Device for a prize at the festival. People can sign up to win the electronic book reader at the Krause Memorial Library.
According to Rotary President Rick Schroder, "This festival is for every age."
The proof may be in the kick off event - the Storybook Parade. Paricipants are encouraged to dress like their favorite storybook character and join the line as it parades through downtown. The lineup starts at 9:45 a.m. at City Hall and will begin at 10 a.m. at Krause Memorial Library and proceed to Garden Park.
Look for brochures with schedules at Krause Memorial Library, or download the schedule from www.rockfordmirotary.org. If you are an author, or have questions about the event, please call Susan Bodenner at 866-2002.
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