The festival, entering its fifth year, is the premier literary event in South Carolina. More than 20,000 people have taken part in its first four years under the sponsorship of the S.C. Humanities Council. Authors, booksellers, vendors and book fans converge for two days of free readings, panels, autographings and opportunities to meet informally with some of the nation s best writers. Panel topics range from the Civil War and contemporary race relations to the best beaches and entertaining Southern-style. The authors will appear throughout the festival, often simultaneously in different rooms at the coliseum.
All events are free, and so is parking in coliseum lots.
The antiquarian book show, featuring dealers from around the Southeast, will offer first editions and rare books. Other vendors will sell new books and food. Dottie Frank will be the speaker for the fund-raiser, which draws most of the festival authors for a casual evening of book talk.