The Haliburton Arts Council is staging a community-wide game of Guess Who? in the lead up to this year’s third annual Bookapalooza literary festival.
Douglas Tindall, a County-based author and arts council member, said one of Canada’s most loved, bestselling authors will be in attendance for a conversation and book signing, and is challenging the community to figure out who it is.
“His or her identity remains a secret – we’re really hoping to build some intrigue. Our mystery author is a name very well-known around the world, and should be very wellknown to this area,” Tindall said, noting people are invited to submit guesses and, if correct, have a chance to win a prize.
The arts council has been working with CanoeFM on the guessing game, revealing clues on air and social media. Tindall shared the final clue, which airs on Canoe this week.
“I’ll bet you never saw it coming: Bookapalooza is only three months away! There is a rumour that we are running short on tickets, but this is far from true. We can help you chase down the last 23 seats at a price that will not ruin you. We don’t want to deliver bad news, so get your guesses in,” Tindall said.
Previous clues focused on the senses, with the first noting this year’s guest “is sure to take your breath away,” and another advising players to “trust your eyes as clues are revealed.”
Guesses can be submitted to bookapalooza.hh@gmail.com. Tindall noted the author’s identity will be revealed May 1.
A hobby writer for most of his life, Tindall said Bookapalooza is a great way for local authors to showcase their works. This year’s event will take place July 13 at the Minden Community Centre.
“Last year was my first Bookapalooza and one of the things that blew me away is how much incredible cultural activity we have going on in the County, how many writers we have here who are tucked away, doing their own thing. It’s nice to shine a light on that,” Tindall said.
By hosting it earlier in the summer, Tindall said organizers are hoping to attract more writers and visitors.
There’s a new format, with the exhibitor’s hall and big book club, previously separate events held in different locations, coming together under one roof. The event will start at noon, with the mystery author participating in a book signing and Q&A at 3 p.m. Writers will remain at their booths until 5:30 p.m.
The author will participate in a more “intimate” reception and dinner at the Dominion Hotel at 6 p.m.
Access to the exhibitor’s hall is free, but tickets are required for the book signing, Q&A, and reception. They go on sale May 1.
Tindall said Bookapalooza is a great event for everyone.
“As one of the participating authors last year, it was a big help for me. I love writing, but don’t have a clue where to start with selling my books. Having an event like this, which brings so many eyes to what you’ve done, really helps with that,” Tindall said.
“There really is no other opportunity like this for local literary lovers. I enjoy reading a best-seller just as much as the next person, but these books are written by local authors, often using local landmarks and settings in their stories, and focusing on things that matter to Haliburton County. There’s something about that you just can’t replicate,” he added.
For more information, visit haliburtonarts.on.ca.
