Each year, the Mississippi Book Festival unites readers and authors in an exciting celebration of books at its annual event in downtown Jackson.
The 10th annual Literary Lawn Party was held on Saturday, Sept. 14. The event stretches from the entire grounds of the state capitol building to Galloway Methodist Church.
Wesson Resident Kim Whittington and two of her grandchildren volunteered at the event. Whittington has served as book festival volunteer for all ten years.
Authors from across the country, and sometimes international authors, come to speak on a panel about their books, host book signings and meet and greets, etc. Lemuria Books is on-site selling the authors' books.
The event had plenty of indoor and outdoor children's activities. One in particular was onsite public service announcement (PSA) filming by Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) anyone willing. Whittington's granddaughter Mary Murphy Brady of Petal can be seen in the photo below filming an MPB PSA.
State Capitol staff gave capitol tours to festival attendees. Whittington's grandson Harrison Brady of Petal can be seen below taking a capitol tour while at the festival.
As a MS Book Festival volunteer, Whittington's annual duties primarily consist of managing author check-in.
"My husband had just died in April (10 years ago), and I saw online they were looking for volunteers. I knew I wanted to keep myself busy, get involved with something great, and I reached out that I'd be happy to volunteer. They took me up on the offer and have needed me every year. I'm now over author check-in," said Whittington.
Whittington is also a member of Friends of the Library, serves as American Legion Auxiliary president, and is a member of the Wesson Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, she's been involved in different book clubs. Whittington is an avid reader.
"I don't know why I have such a love for books and reading...I just do. A book can take you somewhere you've never been before. Reading helps you have imagination. Since volunteering at the festival, I've expanded my reading genres. I don't read the same old things anymore. I have a much more eclectic bookshelf now," said Whittington.
That last nine years, the festival was in August. This year, the festival was moved to mid-September.
"The coolest thing about the event this year, to me, was the temperature change. I appreciated how much cooler the festival was this year (as a volunteer)." said Whittington. "LaVar Burton who was on Reading Rainbow, Star Trek, Roots (for example), was a fan favorite author this year. Kate DiCamillo, children's author, who wrote Because of Winn Dixie' - and her latest book called "Ferris" - was another author with long lines to visit," said Whittington.
Whittington encourages everyone to attend next year.
"You'll love it. There is plenty to do there. You can spend the entire day there...plenty of food trucks, too. Make plans to be there!"