May Festival of the Arts

2010 Books in Bloom at 1886 Crescent Hotel

The date for the 2012 Books in Bloom is May 20, 2012 from 12 Noon to 5:00 pm, at the 1886 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs.

The annual Garden Party event is free and open to the public, held rain or shine.

A stunning lineup of accomplished authors will read from their work and bring insights into writing, publishing and what inspires them. You can expect dynamic presentations, connections with booksellers and author signings.

Books in Bloom Literary Festival is a Garden Party Celebration for Writers and Readers established in 2005 by the Carroll and Madison Public Library Foundation to promote the value of books and reading. The Festival provides an opportunity for the public to meet authors and to hear them speak about their work and various aspects of writing and publishing.

For details on the author lineup (including Crescent Dragonwagon) visit the website.

On Thursday, May 13th, as the sun slips behind the Ozark Mountains and dusk settles upon Eureka Springs, the inaugural Eureka Springs Grand Illumination will commence with a lighting ceremony on the great lawn of the historic Crescent Hotel…and so will begin yet another tradition that we hope will last for many years: recognizing Eureka Springs’ Luminary Of The Year.

The Luminary Of The Year is a recognition bestowed upon an individual from the greater Eureka Spring area for their selfless efforts towards the betterment of our community.

The 2010 Luminary of the year is Dee Bright. Dee is being recognized for the scores of hours she devotes to public service each year. In addition to serving as president of The Eureka Springs Preservation Society, Dee also sits on the Historic District Commission and is actively involved in the Eureka Springs Downtown Network. Dee and her husband Rick own two B&Bs in Eureka Springs; The Eureka Springs Hideaway and The Border House.

1886 Historic Crescent Hotel

This ceremony is free and open to the public. We encourage you to join us on the great lawn of The Crescent Hotel, Thursday, May 13th from 8-9pm. Dress is summer casual. There will be light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.

At approximately 8:30pm, the Luminary Of The Year will ‘throw the switch’ an officially light the inaugural Eureka Springs Grand Illumination.

The 6th annual Books in Bloom event in Eureka Springs brings together accomplished authors, booklovers, and writers in a lovely, informal ‘garden-party’ setting at the 1886 Crescent Hotel Sunday, May 16th from Noon to 5 PM.

With a reputation for attracting big name authors, Books in Bloom has captured the attention of booklovers throughout the state, and this year is no exception. Gail Sheehy, famed author of “Passages,” will be one of the featured speakers, along with Nevada Barr, Steve Berry, Michael Shelden, and Arkansas historian, columnist and author, Tom Dillard.

“People tell us that they can’t believe the level of talent we are able to present,” said Lin Wellford, co-chair of the festival. “It’s almost a year-round effort, and sometimes it takes years to convince an author to come. Nevada Barr turned us down several times. This year she accepted, telling us she admired our persistence!”

In addition, one of this year’s authors, Steve Berry, has offered his services to present a writer’s workshop while he is in the area. The day-long workshop will benefit the Carroll County Historical Society, and takes place on Saturday, May 15, at the Grand View Hotel on the square in Berryville.

Books in Bloom at 1886 Crescent Hotel

Along with scheduled author talks in the conservatory, the gardens surrounding the Crescent Hotel will be filled with local and regional authors and publishers. There will be on-going readings and book signings throughout the afternoon.

“The University of Arkansas Press always has a booth, and they offer some wonderful bargains during our festival,” said Jean Elderwind, who serves as co-chair and also administrator or the Carroll and Madison Public Library System. “In fact, they’ve told us Books in Bloom is one of their best scheduled events. Tim Ernst will also join us this year. His books are well known and wildly popular among our attendees.”

Festival-goers are encouraged to come early and take advantage of a free shuttle service provided to ease traffic congestion. Refreshments will be available throughout the day, provided by Friends of the Library members.

The festival will take place rain or shine, moving onto the hotel veranda, with additional covered space provided by the hotel in case of showers.

Books in Bloom is a project of the Carroll and Madison Public Library Foundation. Visit website for further details.

Eureka Springs Preservation Society 2nd Annual Simply Scrumptious Dessert and Tea will be held May 11th at the Crescent Hotel.

Twelve beautifully designed table tops with desserts will be presented in the Crescent Hotel’s Conservatory. The Preservation Society will raffle off a special table.

For more information: Email Dee Bright, President or call 479-253-9582