The third annual Blue Ridge Bookfest is scheduled for May 20 – 21 at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, N.C.

This literary festival brings together over 40 authors and hundreds of readers for a unique opportunity to meet, listen and share ideas. The authors represent a variety of literary genres for all ages and interests. Some of the genres include poetry, fiction (children’s, mystery, fantasy and regional) and non-fiction (travel/outdoor, history, biography regional and ethnic).

The Bookfest itself has no admission fee. Workshops begin Friday afternoon, May 20, at 1:30 p.m. At 5:30 p.m. there will be a “Meet and Greet” Reception for a fee. The ticket automatically enters the holder in a drawing for a two-night stay at the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge on Amelia Island, Fla. Tickets for the reception are available at the Henderson County Visitors Information Center, the Waverly Inn and at the door.

Free activities resume at 6:30 p.m. with a program featuring Ann B. Ross, the 2011 Bookfest Honoree and bestselling author. This event includes an interview with Ross and a “Miss Julia” dramatization.

The festival continues Saturday, May 21 with workshops, book exhibits, conversations with authors, sales and signings from 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the day.

The complete Bookfest program listing of the activities, authors, area lodging and directions to the Blue Ridge Community College can be found at www.blueridgebookfest.org.

Questions concerning the Blue Ridge Bookfest may be directed to Tom McCain at 828-692-3267 or Bill Ramsey at 828-698-1022.

– article submitted by Kent M. Loy