Hello dear friends and followers, here is my report/summary of my four-day trip away to the “Clunes Booktown Festival”
* Thursday Evening. After dinner, I was out walking Frankie, and when we returned home there was a special parcel on my doorstep, a freshly baked fruitcake, for me to enjoy while I was busy at the bookstall. (Thank you to Roberta, a fellow daily walker)
* Friday Lunchtime. My brother and sister arrive from Ballarat to take me, Frankie, and my Car back to Ballarat (My siblings understand my deficiencies)
* Friday 3.30 pm. I drove up to Clunes (only 15 mins from Ballarat) to set up my bookstall. There were no tables in my allocated Marquee, but after phone calls to the appropriate organizers, the tables were eventually located and placed in the Marquee.
Friday afternoon, waiting for a table – Agatha’s, Lounge & Wine Bar
* Friday 6.00 pm. I found a quaint bar to chat and drink with other authors before we attended the “Introduction Event”. At 7.30 pm I was super tired and decided to head back to my sister’s in Ballarat for dinner and a well-earned rest.
The Clunes Town Hall and other historical buildings in Clunes.
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* Saturday 8.15 am. I headed off to the Clunes Festival for a 9.00 am start and I met the other vendors in our Marquee.
My neighbours, Karen and Damien
Our Marquee held ten Book Stalls
Overall, not many books were sold, however, I had a wonderful time chatting with customers, and my “Lucky Dip Bucket, Take a Poem Home”, was extremely popular.
Saturday 5.00pm. It was time to close up and head home to Ballarat.
Sunday Morning. Another 9.00am start, but I decided to take Frankie to the Festival as my little helper. While walking from the car to the Marquee, a young lady kindly offered to carry Frankie’s fold-up camp chair. I thanked “Louise” for friendly assistance, and later on she came to my stall and purchased a copy of “Until Eyes Hear Sound”.
He instantly became the centre of attention, which coincided with my increased book sales. We finally shut shop at 4.00 pm, by which time I was definitely looking forward to the Clunes Booktown Festival’s closing chapter. While we were packing up, a young lass from the “Phairytale Bookfolds” stall in our Marquee, presented me with a magical gift, which personified the friendly aura within our Marquee, and the little “Bookmouse” was a perfect finale to an amazing weekend.
Monday Morning. After a long and restful sleep, it was time for me and Frank to return to Geelong, again with the invaluable assistance of my wonderful siblings. (heartfelt thanks to Miffy & Lawrie)
Ivor Steven (c) March 2024
Ivor.Plumber/Poet 