Library hosting The Word on the Street festival this weekend

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on September 22, 2023.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Festival organizer Elisabeth Hegerat speaks to reporters about The Word on the Street festival taking place this weekend.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

The time has come once again for members of the community to take part in the Lethbridge Public Library’s annual The Word On The Street Festival at the main branch on Saturday.

This year marks the festival’s 13th anniversary and festival organizer and manager of community advancement at the Lethbridge Public Library, Elisabeth Hegerat told reporters the library is excited to be back on the street with what looks like a great weather forecast for Saturday.

“We’re ready to go, we’ve got an exciting lineup this year of authors and presenters coming from all across Canada,” said Hegerat.

 She said among the authors who will be taking part are long-time Alberta poet Sid Marty, Indigenous journalist and author Angela Sterritt, non-fiction author John Vaillant and local author Hali Heavy Shield with a new picture book out.

 “We also have award-winning literary author Anne-Marie MacDonald who is one of our headliners. We’re quite excited to have her joining us,” said Hegerat.

She said during the festival those in attendance will also have an opportunity to enjoy live music, food trucks, friends and various activities going on all day.

 “Our partners at the U of L bookstore will be here selling the books for all the authors and you’ve got a chance to come down to get your book signed,” said Hegerat.

She said this year The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge is joining them with art demonstrations, bringing their arts days activities to the festival.

 “They’re going to have activities running all day as well, including the one-pound clay challenge. They told me they are bringing 200 pounds of clay, so the first 200 people get the chance to try out the clay wheel and make something,” said Hegerat.

She said nearby streets will be closed to make room for the festival, and since the weather is supposed to be great, they are expecting close to 5,000 people.

The festival will be at the Main Branch on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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