D'Vine Wine Manitou has released commemorative bottles of its wine with specially designed Author Fest of the Rockies labels (see sample above). A portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold benefit Author Fest slated for October 2-3 at the Cliff House in Manitou Springs. This statewide literary event brings over 50 Colorado authors to Manitou for the conference.
The Manitou Springs Public Library, a 1910 Carnegie, was slated for restoration. The Friends of the Manitou Springs Public Library, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the library, has now focused its efforts on expansion. Author Fest, as a Friends event, centers attention not only on the library, but on Manitou Springs. "This is the kind of event we love to see in Manitou Springs," said Eric Drummond, Mayor of Manitou. "Author Fest engages the community, reflects the importance of reading and literature and brings visitors in from across the state."
Keynote speakers for the event include Michelle Vandepas (Conscious Livelihood), Alec Greven (How to Talk to Girls), illustrator Mark Ludy and Nancy Atherton (the Aunt Dimity series). Over 50 other Colorado authors will be presenting in the largest Author Fest to date. There is also an Arts-in-Education component to Author Fest, as authors will be visiting Manitou Springs and Ute Pass schools. An art/short story/poetry contest is also held and 10 scholarships to attend the conference will be available to high school seniors and college students.
Events related to the conference include a kickoff party on Monday, September 28, at D’Vine Wines of Manitou Springs; Poetry night at Black Cat Books on Tuesday, September 29; Movie Night at the Manitou Springs Public Library, on Wednesday, September 30, featuring “The Hours”; a VIP Reception at the Avenue Hotel B&B on Thursday, October 1; Open Mic Night at Kinfolks on Friday, October 2; and an Authors’ Showcase at the Cliff House on Saturday, October 3. All events except the VIP Reception are free to the public.
Registration for Author Fest is $30 for each day or $50 for both days. Keynote breakfast and luncheon sessions are $20 each. In-kind sponsors for Author Fest of the Rockies include The Colorado Springs Independent, Black Cat Books, Stagecoach Inn, Kinfolks, The Avenue Hotel B&B and D’Vine Wines of Manitou Springs. For more information, to register or to become an AF sponsor, go to http://www.authorfestoftherockies.org/. Author Fest also has a presence on Facebook and Twitter.
For more information about the restoration/expansion project for the Manitou Springs Public Library, to register for or sponsor Author Fest of the Rockies, call Laura Ettinger at 719-231-7202 or email pressroom@authorfestoftherockies.org.
