A Parents Guide To Yallfest 2016

YALLfest is one of-if not the largest young adult book events in the country.  It takes place in Charleston South Carolina every November.  It is put on by a fabulous little bookstore on King Street called Blue Bicycle Books.  Last year, there were approximately 60 authors that took part.  There are book signings, panel discussions and other fun events crammed into a two day event.  YALLfest is THE place to be if you are a book nerd or generally consider yourself a fan of the YA genre. Last year there were literally thousands of book nerds that attended. It is honestly something to see!

I just happen to have a 16 year old book nerd living under my roof. My daughter read about 130 books last year alone so I think she qualifies for the queen of book nerds if there is such a title. She LOVES books and I guess when other girls her age obsess over clothes and boys, she spends all her money on books.  This is not a bad thing. In fact, being a reader myself, I love the fact that my child spends all her free time reading. There are worse things she can be doing.

So, getting back to YALLfest. Coming from Wisconsin we decided to fly to Charleston because of time restraints.  The only problem with that was we were carrying about 50 hardcover books with us to be signed by various authors.  Yes you heard me FIFTY books!  Because of weight restrictions we divided those books up into 2 of our large size suitcases.  Thank goodness we were not gone for a week since we had little room left for clothes. By the way, did you ever try lifting a suitcase containing 30 hardcover books? I said a little prayer of thanks to the people who came up with the wheels on the bottom of the suitcase! I think the shuttle driver at the airport threw his back out lifting those suitcases.

This brings me to my first piece of guidance for the YALLfest parent…..you are there for 3 reasons

1) To transport books back and forth that have been signed or need to be signed to your hotel/vehicle/vacation rental. Some people do not do this. They just wheel their large suitcases with them all day from event to event. This is not such a bad idea since your suitcase can make an excellent place to sit when you back needs a rest from all that standing in line.

2)  Be a body to stand in line for your child as they go from book signing to book signing. While they are standing in line at one signing, you are instructed to stand in line at another signing or to get wristbands for a big named author signing or panel discussion.

3) To bring food to your child as they stand in line.  There will be no time for an actual meal during the day. You either have to have a food runner (said parent) or go without food all day. Side note:  Charleston has the most excellent food! Especially little hole-in-the-wall bakeries!!!!

Believe me this 2 day event is not for the faint of heart. It is brutal, exhausting, and worth every minute of it!

If as a parent you think you will have time to fit in a little sightseeing or shopping, you might have some time. We arrived in Charleston late Thursday night and I had most of the day on Friday, and although there are events going on Friday, I was free to explore on my own.  I could not be in such a beautiful city such as Charleston and not see things.  Saturday morning I went to the farmers market and made some purchases, but by around 10:00 I joined the ranks of parents as official line standees.

The best part…sharing fun times with your daughter

 

This years YALLfest takes place in Charleston November 11th and 12th. Follow YALLfest on Facebook for all the latest info plus see pictures from last years event.  I hope to see you there!  One last piece of advice, have fun, after all you are sharing something fun to do with your book nerd! Oh and make sure and wear comfy shoes!!!!