I have, quite literally, grown up with the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.
I was just 5-years-old when the very first CCBF took place, and it was here that some of my earliest and most cherished memories formed. Walking through the arch-decorated with festival-themed balloons, I felt like I had entered a whole other world – a world filled with imagination and creativity.
I browsed through countless books, selecting the ones that piqued my interest. Later, at home, I read those books 100s of times, imagining the words coming off the pages and the characters filling my room, thus the beginning of my love for reading.
The very next year I asked to volunteer for the festival with my mom. Even at the ripe old age of 6, I remember how good it felt to be a part of something that I knew was larger than myself. I loved standing at the information booth, greeting friends, neighbors and excited strangers, handing out information and maps and feeling the buzz and excitement surrounding me. I felt grown up and proud to be a part of it.
The next few years I remember it finally sinking in that the kind, engaging people at the tables ACTUALLY WROTE THE BOOKS! Thinking back, I probably took for granted that so many of these renowned authors lived right in my town! I watched in awe as they wrote a dedication to me, fostering a connection that is so rare and I was so lucky to experience.
My mom always said that the only thing you can never have enough of is books, and so many from the festival still grace my bookshelves. They will always be treasured.
I recognized the real impact an author can make. They plant seeds of wonder in the minds of kids that never stop growing. When I helped work the line for Pinkalicious – always a festival highlight – I was amazed by the never–ending line of exuberant young readers waiting their turn to meet their hero. I felt humbled by Victoria Kann’s patience and grace as she greeted every fan and signed books long past her scheduled appearance.
The next few years I had even more interaction with these esteemed authors, working as a greeter, and often escorting authors to readings throughout the day. I was so appreciative that these famous and creative minds would take the time to ask about me. These interactions gave me confidence in both conversational speaking and also inspired me to write.
As the years went on, and sports and activities made it harder to volunteer, I still made time to go – “graduating” to bagging and working as a cashier with my friends, something that I always watched the older kids do as an attendee. Each book I bagged or order I processed made me feel like I was making a difference, getting books into the hands of those who otherwise can’t afford them and planting those seeds of curiosity in their minds. Everyone should know the joy of a new book!
On the 10th anniversary of the CCBF last year, as an intern, I helped produce videos for social media after interviewing area businesses about what the festival means to them. The tasks reminded me of what this festival means to me – bringing this amazing community together, giving back, and celebrating a shared love of reading and books.
THE 2024 CHAPPAQUA CHILDRENS BOOK FESTIVAL
Join us as we celebrate our 11th year of connecting authors to readers!
September 28, 2024, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chappaqua Train Station
The CCBF, with over 8,000 visitors each year, has become one of one of the largest children’s book festivals in the country.
The annual event, which dazzles and delights readers of all ages, will this year feature 160 authors including Laura Numeroff (the If You Give a Mouse a Cookieseries), 2024 Caldecott Medal winner Vashti Harrison, festival favorite Victoria Kann (Pinkalicious), Dan Gutman (the My Weird School series) and so many more!
The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is grassroots, all-volunteer effort, with community members working together so children and teens can be inspired by their favorite authors. The festival gives kids and families a chance to meet and interact with the creators of their favorite characters and to appreciate that there is a real person behind the art and the words on the page.
The celebratory day includes food trucks, activities and more for all to enjoy. For more information, a list of authors, or to volunteer, visit ccbfestival.org or follow the CCBF at facebook.com/chappaquabookfestival
