Kick off MCBF 2020 with a Storybook 5K and Fun Run!

The 5K race is open to all ages and abilities including walkers.

Team Up Mentoring has a few new surprises up our sleeve, including:

A new course that runs right through the heart of downtown Monroe
An earlier start time (9:00 AM Fun Run & 9:30 AM 5K)
Encouraging runners to bring their pooches for the run with awards for the top four-legged runners

As usual, Team Up will also host the interactive Fun Run through Childer's Park and will be presenting awards for the best storybook costumes for children, adults and pets alike!

The best part of this event? 100% of all proceeds will help to support critical wellness, education, mentoring and empowerment services for young people ages 3-21 affected by trauma. Find out more about Team Up Mentoring by visiting www.teamupmentoring.org.

Perhaps you’ve seen that we are hosting the second annual Monroe Children’s Book Festival. That’s great!

Now you’re wondering…what is that?? This guide is here to help! We’ll quickly walk you through what a book festival is, and how best to enjoy one!

Step One: What is a Book Festival?

Isn’t it like a Book Fair? NOPE! Book Fair vs Book Festival:

A Book Fair is a careful selection of books brought into an establishment for purchase.
A Book Festival is the full immersion into a literary experience. Book festivals are full of authors, presentations, book characters, panels, and all the wonder that accompanies the enjoyment of reading. Our book festival in particular is specifically children’s books, encompassing the whimsy of picture books to the fantastic of young adult novels.

Step Two: What Do You Do at a Book Festival?

Meet the Author or Story Book Characters:

Attend author events, panels, book signings
Meeting the author is like the extras for a movie: backstory, process, outtakes, director’s commentary, etc. Interact with not just one author, but multiple! Ask them questions and learn about how their books came to be.

Visit Attractions:

Bouncy House
Farmer’s Market
Cow Train
Business Booths
Food Trucks
Photo Ops

Simply Enjoy Downtown Monroe on a Festival Day:

Enjoy the whimsy of the downtown all trussed up for a weekend of celebrating reading
Engage in the magic of reading yourself and pick up a new book or seven

Step Three: How Do You Participate Best?

Plan out your day! With so much going on, make sure you won’t kick yourself later for missing out on something awesome!

Festivals schedule will be available so you can properly prepare
Make sure you check the map so you know where everything is happening
Some events are ticketed due to expected crowds. Double check!

Want a book signed by an author?

Purchase a copy of that author’s book from the Festival Sponsored Bookstore
See our forthcoming post on the power of pre-ordering for more info!

Pre-order any books you know you’ll want signed!

There are no guarantees of getting a copy the day of the event, so best to reserve your copy ahead of time!
Pre-ordering also helps event coordinators know how many people to expect for an event!

Take lots of photos!

Festivals are great for photo opportunities. Make sure to tag the festival or any sponsors in your social media posts! We love seeing our event through participant’s eyes.
Instagram & Facebook: @monroechildrensbookfestival
Twitter: @monroebookfest