“The first question I always get asked is ‘What in the world is an edible book festival?’” said Andrea Duncan, festival coordinator. “It is an event where participants create edible art that can look like a book in form and shape or be inspired by a book or author. Some people create an entry as a pun of a book title or one that represents their favorite book character or cover. It is a great way to bring readers, foodies and the community together!”
(Photo: Andrea Duncan displays her graham cracker, fig newton and icing creation based on the mystery "Book Case" by Stephen Greenleaf).
The entries are exhibited for the general public who will then vote for their favorites in a variety of categories. Following the vote, participants and the public can taste the array of edible delights.
After votes are tallied, prizes will be awarded in the categories of “Highest Literary Merit,” “Funniest/Punniest,” “Best Children’s Entry,” “Judges’ Best in Show,” and “People’s Choice.” The panel of judges include Chef Sarah Ramsey of good little eater, Cassidy Boyer of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Chef Gilpatrick Hornsby of OSU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration.
Winners will be awarded prize packages from International House of Pancakes, good little eater, Company’s Comin’ 2, Peck’s Lodge and Murphy’s Department Store.
The event also features food demonstrations, including cake decoration and a coffee and tea bar operated by the Stillwater Literacy Council.
The Stillwater community is welcome to attend, vote, and sample for a $5 donation to the Stillwater Public Library Trust. The donation fee includes 5 tasting tickets and 1 ticket to vote for “People’s Choice.” Additional tasting and voting tickets will be available for $1 each.
Participants entering an edible book may attend for free, but registration is necessary. To sign-up visit the library’s website at http://library.stillwater.org or call 372-3633 ext. 8127.
The library’s event is held in conjunction with the “International Edible Book Festival,” a yearly event that takes place worldwide on or near April 1. This event unites book, art and food lovers to celebrate the ingestion of culture and its fulfilling nourishment. The International Edible Book Festival is a creation of Judith A. Hoffberg and Béatrice Coron. The late Ms. Hoffberg was a librarian, archivist, lecturer, curator and art writer. Ms. Coron is a well-known and respected book artist, papercutter, sculptor, teacher and conceptual artist now living in New York City. Since the first event in 2000, the festival continues as an annual sensation. Information and photo galleries of past festivals can be accessed at www.books2eat.com.
“This exciting event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate books and food as well as show support for the Stillwater Public Library Trust and the Stillwater Literacy Council,” said Duncan. “Don’t miss this celebration of the art of the book. It is going to be a feast for the eyes and the palate!”
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. (the corner of Duck and 12th Ave.). Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Library programs are co-sponsored by the Friends of the Library and KOSU.
