A Look Back
The Reviews are in!
“I wanted to throw some kudos today in the direction of the people who ran The Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday. I am always leery of book festivals and book fairs, in part because there is no guarantee anyone will show up, in part because they often are very poorly organized. This one—first time out of the box—was run with precision timing; lots of volunteers who knew what they were doing and good crowds—helped no doubt by a perfect weather day. The audience I spoke to had plenty of people and enthusiasm, which was terrific.”
“That was an idyllic small-town festival in the best sense of the word – leafy trees, an occasional train whistle, happy people, musicians – I really loved it. The crowds were appreciative and obviously book-oriented. The day could not have been more beautiful and I would call your first book festival a wild success. I realize how much work and planning went into it, yet all the organizers looked so calm. It was wonderful to speak in a place where all the microphones worked, the podium was supplied, chairs were furnished, helpers materialized. I got to chat for a long time with Alice McDermott, a perfect end for a perfect day. Thank you!”
“The City of Gaithersburg has schooled the country on how to put on a book festival. Its first annual festival held on Saturday was a smashing success. The focus of the event was its showcasing of 56 authors, each having an hour for presentation and questions from 10-4 in eight different tents. But there was much more. There was a book sale tent, a used book area, events for kids, food and sponsor tents. The best reviews came from the authors themselves, many of whom have worked in other book events.”
“Thank you to the volunteers and organizers of the festival, who totally rocked their roles by being organized, helpful and kind. And thank you, brave audience, for making Operation Yes come to life on the stage.”
“Thanks for inviting me. This is a tremendous event for the whole community. Publishers have told me that Washington is one of the top markets in the US, and I hope you’ll have many years of success!”
“Thank you! I had a wonderful time today! Gorgeous weather, great organization, easy parking, clear driving directions, happy children and smooth sailing. It was delightful. Many thanks for all your hard work.”
“Saturday, I spoke at the Gaithersburg Book Festival. My presentation went well and I sold some books. I had a terrific time. The weather was great, the event was extremely organized and well-attended, and the roster of participating authors was awesome.”
“Talk about organization! And kindness! You folks even brought in a Miss Bindergarten in costume. Wish we had time to stay later and talk and listen. Gaithersburg walks in beauty.”
Joe and Patty Slate and Miss Bindergarten
“I wanted to thank you for including me as part of your most excellent Book Festival yesterday. It was an extremely well-conceived and well-managed event. I am confident it will grow and prosper through the years. My great congratulations to you and your colleagues for making such a complicated event look so easy.”
“Thanks for all your hospitality. Everyone was so nice! What a successful event and you would never know this was your first book festival. Great job you guys!”
“To the wonderful and talented organizers, thanks so much for including me in today’s book festival. No one would believe that it was your first! Here’s to many, many more.”
“Thank you so much for including the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference in the Festival. We were honored to be there. I was utterly awestruck when I arrived that morning. I was expecting the usual outdoor event: a few signs, a photocopied map, a few food vendors. I did not expect to be greeted by informed volunteers who helped unload my car. I did not expect to find matching tents with thematic names and working sound systems. I did not expect to find agenda boards outside each venue, hourly speakers on varying topics, a well thought layout and clever placement of booths, food, activities and services. And I certainly did not expect to be entertained with live music! This was most impressive event I’ve ever attended and I commend you all. What a feat!”
Lisa K. Friedman, Marketing Director, F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Conference, Inc.
“The Gaithersburg Book Festival was an excellent example of what happens when a community gets behind a project. There were lots of volunteers, great food concessions, and a well organized series of speakers in large festival tents. Add to that perfect weather in a lovely outdoor setting and you can see why I had a good time. Plus, my table was next to the tent that hosted two cooking demonstrations and a presentation on gourmet coffee complete with free samples. Oh, and I signed a few books for some new fans too. I already can’t wait for the SECOND annual Gaithersburg Book Festival.”
“Yesterday was the Gaithersburg Book Festival and it was so much fun that I had to share some of the experience with you guys! It was a day long event and was jam packed with authors, readings, signings, book tents, etc… All in all it was a great day. The authors were amazing and so much fun to meet and speak with. The staff who organized the festival and made it what it was were fantastic and I really hope that they’ll be able to make this Festival an annual event, it was great and I would love to keep coming back year after year.”
“I had the pleasure of taking part in the first annual Gaithersburg Book Festival today. It was very well organized, the volunteers were friendly and helpful, and the event was a great success! Hats off to the event organizers! I will definitely be back next year!”
“The better half and I always make time for the National Book Festival, held every autumn on The Mall. This year we agreed to try and see some other ones. We penned in Charlottesville and Annapolis, but had to scratch them off when other things came up. Today, we made up for that disappointment somewhat by attending the first Gaithersburg Book Festival. The organizers did a great job, placing the pavilions amongst the trees and the parking lots.”
“This week I went to the Gaithersburg Book Festival, which was awesome BTW! I was able to meet, several authors including Shelena Shorts and Jennifer Murgia (whom are amazing woman), as well as I heard and talked a bit with Elizabeth Eulberg (whom is just tons of fun). The day was beautiful!”
“Thank you for organizing the Book Festival – it was wonderful. All authors were friendly, one is even coming to my book club tomorrow. One had been a student of my husband at Churchill High School years ago. I hope we have this every year. Please put it on the calendar. It was Great!”
