Egg Harbor Book Festival

Egg Harbor will host the ultimate Door County literary gathering Aug. 16 – 18 and 24 featuring readings, lectures, open mics, live music, and book fair.

The festival was created and coordinated by Mary “Casey” Martin. “I selected ‘Road Trip’ as the theme for this festival because I want to highlight all the literary and book arts opportunities on the Door Peninsula, like the newly formed, Write On, Door County!, Thursday evening Writer’s Nights at Holiday Music Motel and the First Fridays at Untitled bookstore in Sturgeon Bay; as well as classes at The Clearing and Peninsula School of Art; Washington Island’s new literary festival slated for October; Door County libraries and other booksellers on the peninsula; as well as raise some funds and awareness for one of the busiest library branches – the Egg Harbor Library – one of eight in the county. We want to cross-promote as much as we can,” said Martin.

Below is a complete schedule of events. (The rain location for all events is The Alpine Resort.)

Friday, Aug. 16

• 7 – 8:30 pm, Chief Oshkosh

Opening Night featuring oral storytelling by Coleen Bins, poetry reading by Door County Poet Laureate Estella Lauter, and a reading of “Stories of Black Elk” by Lloyd Michaelsen.

Rolf Olson will lead an open mic for all. Attendees are welcome to bring an original poem or story to share.

Saturday, Aug. 17

• 9 – 11 am, Carrington Pub & Grill at Landmark Resort

The Hamerstrom Legacy with Mary “Casey” Martin of Home Brew Press & MCM. Martin will present publishing tips, discuss famed scientist and award-winning author Dr. Frances Hamerstrom and Egg Harbor Historical Society books.

Travel Writing & Travel Titles will feature travel columnist and author Mary Bergin, author of Hungry for Wisconsin.

• 7 – 9 pm, Chief Oshkosh

Poetry & Lessons in Songwriting will feature poetry readings by Wisconsin Poet Laureate Max Garland, Nancy Rafal, Joseph Reed, Marybeth Mattson and include music by Small Forest.

Attendees are welcome to bring original poems and songs to share.

Sunday, Aug. 18

• 9 – 11 am, Alpine Resort

Food Writing & Book Arts with Mary “Casey” Martin will feature a discussion about New York Times Gotham Food Writing Course, collecting old cookbooks, publishing a cookbook, journaling, and book arts.

• 11:30 am – 12 pm, Peg Egan Performing Arts Center

Anne Emerson will lead a presentation and Q&A about Write On, Door County!

• 12 – 2 pm, Peg Egan Performing Arts Center

Writing Fiction & Readings features a discussion by awarding-winning author of An Apricot Year, Martha Egan, about writing fiction and non-fiction.

• 2:30 – 3:15 pm, Peg Egan Performing Arts Center

pat mAcdonald, songwriter, musician, creative director of Steel Bridge Songfest, and author of Space Kitty Blues, will sample tracks from his new CD, Lockbox Babies – Vol. I, and discuss his recent publication.

Saturday, Aug. 24

• 10 – 11 am, Alpine Resort

Wisconsin’s prolific author Jerry Apps will present lessons in writing for different genres. Attendees are welcome to bring a story to share.

• 11 – 11:30 am, Alpine Resort

A Salute to Norb Blei will honor the writer, teacher, and author.

• 12 – 4 pm, Alpine Resort

Book Fair will feature books by Door County and Wisconsin authors. (Those interested in setting up a booth are encouraged to contact Martin.) 20 percent of any book sales and donations will support the Egg Harbor Library Wish List Fund.

For more information contact Martin at 715.459.4322 or via email at [email protected].