BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 BEGIN:VEVENT UID:EF0E7265-8787-4858-8EEA-F2D33B4656A3 DTSTART:20260501T180000Z DTEND:20260502T150000Z SUMMARY:Winnsboro Festival of Books-only 2 hours from DFW DESCRIPTION:A new chapter begins when the 8 th Annual Festival of Books ret urns to downtown Winnsboro on Friday and Saturday\, May 1 and 2. Hosted by Winnsboro Center for the Arts (WCA)\, this FREE event turns the streets o f downtown into a celebration of stories and storytellers\, allowing guest s to meet and mingle with authors from all over Texas and enjoy a variety of literary activities for all ages. The event takes place on The Bowery in downtown Winnsboro\, where guests can stroll the town’s storybook-like streets and pop in and out of charming shops and eateries. And it's only two hours from DFW!  \nThis year’s event includes two very special guests : \n Bob Livingston \, the event’s featured author\, is a pioneering Texas singer-songwriter and member of the legendary Lost Gonzo Band\, a group t hat helped shape the sound of progressive country in the 1970s. Livingston is author of “Gypsy Alibi: A Gonzo Memoir\,” winner of the Best First Boo k of Nonfiction   by the Texas Institute of Letters for its colorful tales about the untamed world of Texas music. He has also served as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. State Department\, taking his music to 30-plus co untries and collaborating with musicians from around the world. \n Corduro y is a beloved storybook character who has been entertaining young readers with his adventures since the 1960s. Guests can get hugs\, high-fives and photos with Corduroy at the event! \n FRIDAY\, MAY 1\, 6 – 9 p.m.: Kick o ff the festival with a literal celebration! The evening features: A Meet & Greet with the festival’s celebrated Texas authors from 6 – 7 p.m. An eve ning of stories and music with the legendary Bob Livingston on The Bowery Stage from 7:30 – 9 p.m. (a ticketed event).    \n SATURDAY\, MAY 2\, 9 a .m. – 3 p.m.: Bookmark it in your calendar: Opening Chapter – Performing a rtist Michael Guinn \, a two-time National Poetry Slam finalist\, five-tim e Austin Poetry Slam winner and six-time Fort Worth Poetry Slam winner ret urns to emcee the festival which will include recitations by the Fort Wort h Poetry Society \, author book readings and spoken word open mic. Soundtr ack of the Page : Livingston is an open book in this special performance a s he shares excerpts from his wild and storied life. Books on The Bowery – Browse\, buy and have your favorite books signed by Texas authors . Story book Fun for Kids – Kids of all ages will enjoy interactive art & literacy activities \, storytelling hugs and high-fives from Corduroy. \n“Our annu al Festival of Books gives voice to local talent\, inspires lifelong reade rs and creates a shared space where imagination and connection flourish\,” said Mary White\, WCA executive director.  “Every year\, this event bring s people together and ensures that the stories shaping our community\, reg ion and state are told\, heard\, and celebrated.” \nWCA plays a key role i n bringing cultural programming\, exhibitions and entertainment to Winnsbo ro and East Texas. WCA is supported in part by grants from the Texas Commi ssion on the Arts \, the National Endowment for the Arts \, Wood County ED C\, Winnsboro EDC and Christus Mother Frances Health Systems. Winnsboro’s Cultural District is recognized by Texas Commission on the Arts for its v ibrant arts scene. Winnsboro is recognized by the National Trust for Histo ric Preservation as a Texas Main Street Community and an accredited member of Main Street America for its successful downtown revitalization. \nFor updated schedules\, artist announcements\, ticket information and additio nal details\, visit the Festival of Books page on the WCA website. The Bow ery is located at 200 Market St. in Downtown Winnsboro. \n ABOUT WINNSBORO CENTER FOR THE ARTS : Winnsboro Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonpro fit organization located in Winnsboro\, Texas. As a multi-disciplinary art s center\, it serves communities throughout Northeast Texas\, engaging peo ple in educational programming\, cultural experiences\, and entertainment . All scheduled programs are subject to change. \n649 words\; 3\,431/4\,0 81 char\nThe Bowery in Downtown Winnsboro\n200 Market St.\nWinnsboro\, TX 75494 United States\n LOCATION:200 Market St.\, Winnsboro\, TX 75494 URL:http://parkcities.bubblelife.com/community/parkcities_calendar/library/ 3560452/key/3511770170/Winnsboro_Festival_of_Books-only_2_hours_from_DFW CREATED:20260407T213130Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T213130Z DTSTAMP:20260526T033622Z CLASS:PUBLIC STATUS:CONFIRMED TRANSP:TRANSPARENT SEQUENCE:1 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR