Alpine, TX – A distinguished array of writers, photographers, publishers and booksellers convene in Alpine July 31-August 1 for the Second Annual Way-Out-West Texas Book Festival sponsored by the Alpine Rotary Club.  

The event is designed to enhance cultural and literary awareness in the desert and mountain country of far west Texas and also to raise funds for the Alpine Public Library and its Marathon branch.

Accomplished authors Stephen Harrigan, keynote speaker; Sarah Bird, Saturday evening headliner; Paulette Jiles, Elizabeth Crook, Mike Cox, Karleen Koen, Joe Nick Patoski, Dixie Cash, Bill Neal, E. Dan Klepper, Scott Wiggerman and Carol Dawson will be joined by top photographers Laurence Parent and Wyatt McSpadden, for a day of panel discussions, lectures, speeches and humorous talks.

Programs are free and open to the public. All Saturday activities will be held at Sul Ross State University’s Espino Conference Center (2nd floor, University Center).

The festival begins with a Friday evening meet-and-greet, followed by Saturday’s schedule of author programs along with a lively book sales area adjacent to the conference rooms where authors are speaking. Simultaneous with Saturday’s activities will be a Silent Auction featuring fine antiques, works of art, collectible books, and other very special items donated largely from Big Bend residents and businesses.

Among the vendors will be Texas Tech University Press, Cinco Punto Press (El Paso), Texas A&M University Press, Front Street Books, Denise Chavez, Chris Ruggia/Vast Graphics, Iron Mountain Press, Don Blevins, Ocotillo Enterprises, and other publishers, booksellers and authors. Authors will be available to meet with the public and autograph their books in the vending area.

The Friday Gathering Under the Stars, a ticketed event, begins at 7:30 pm at a private home in the Sunny Glen area of Alpine. The Gage Hotel’s Café Cenizo will serve a cocktail buffet, and special guests will be introduced. The evening includes entertainment by popular author, musician, singer and songwriter Mike Blakely.

Saturday’s Gala Banquet, also a ticketed event, will feature a cocktail hour with musical entertainment by Neil Trammell, a lavish menu, special presentation by humorist Sarah Bird, and the announcement of auction winners.

The Alpine Rotary/Way-out-West Texas Book Festival’s Web site  (www.wowtxbookfestival.com) is updated regularly. Tickets for the two evening events are on sale through the site or in Alpine at The Maverick Inn and Front Street Books.

Prospective vendors should consult the website under “Vendor Information.”  Vendor space is limited and subject to approval by the Festival Committee.

Officers and members of the 2009 WOW Texas Book Festival Committee are: Jean Hardy Pittman, Director; Steve Griffis and Arlene Griffis, Program Co-Chairs; Lou Pauls, Treasurer & Hospitality; Wanda Morgan, Rotary President; Donna Greene, Dallas Baxter, Tom Michael, and Julia Green. Silent Auction Committee Co-Chairs are Elizabeth Rogers and Jean Hardy Pittman.

For more information, go to the festival Web site, www.wowtxbookfestival.com; email info@wowtxbookfestival.com; or telephone Front Street Books, 837-3360 or 1-800-597-3360.