18th Annual Amelia Island Book Festival includes Kristen Ashley, David Baldacci, Diana Gabaldon, Tess Gerritsen, John Grisham and Ridley Pearson. Steve Berry returns as Honorary Chairman.
FERNANDINA BEACH, FL – Festival organizers announced this week the celebrity authors for the 18th Annual Amelia Island Book Festival scheduled for Thursday, February 14 through Saturday, February 16, 2019: Kristen Ashley, David Baldacci, Diana Gabaldon, Tess Gerritsen, John Grisham and Ridley Pearson. Steve Berry returns as Honorary Chairman.
“We are thrilled to welcome an impressive, bestselling group of authors to headline the Festival,” said Mary Grace Herrington, president of the Amelia Island Book Festival. “Board members and an army of dedicated volunteers are already hard at work coordinating events and activities to share with the community.”
Signature events will once again include a Kick Off Luncheon on Thursday and the Author Face Off Gala on Friday evening. An additional Author Luncheon is scheduled for Friday. Community activities include the Tweens & Teen Scene, the Short Story Contest, a Writer’s Workshop, the Authors in Schools visits, and the Authors Expo.
Descriptions for membership, participation, and author registration are available at ameliaislandbookfestival.org. Event tickets go on sale to the public September 15, 2018.
In addition to Ms. Herrington serving as the president, 2018-19 board members include Betsy Odom as vice president, Marie Fenn as secretary, and Fran Shea as treasurer. Directors include Bill Amos, Joelle Crahay, Liz Dunn, Mary Elwell, Barb Heggenstaller, Terry Ramsey, John Ruis, Kim Sartor, Kristi Simpkins, and Larry Williams. The Board has engaged Jim Flynn to lead a strategic planning effort to strengthen the organization in terms of mission, vision, and program delivery as well as financial stability through disciplined fundraising efforts to complement event income.
