Eden Mills Writers' Festival

In 1989 the Eden Mills Writers' Festival began, featuring Leon Rooke, local resident, writer and a Governor General's Award winner. It has been held annually since then, and expanded its programs: the number of professional readers, contests, etc. The festival began in the original General Store, which was built in 1877. ==The Festival==

Over the years, the Festival has taken place in an array of different Eden Mills venues, most of which are outdoors. Some are on the banks of the Eramosa River; others are in local residents' scenic backyards, to name a few. In addition to the main venues, there is a popular First Nations area (the Adisokaun stage). Children's Site is held at Jenny's Place, a retail store. Additions to the festival include the fringe and Young Adult readings, as well as two annual literary competitions. ==Gallery==

Opening of Eden Mills Writers Festival and dedication by the Town Crier - 2017 (DanH-9129).jpg|Opening of Eden Mills Writers Festival and dedication by the Town Crier Thomas King reading in the Sculpture Garden - 2013 (DanH-1808).jpg|Thomas King reading in the Sculpture Garden Leon Rooke reading in Rivermead - 2016 (DanH-7640).jpg|Leon Rooke reading in Rivermead David Adams Richards reading at the Mill - 2014 (DanH-4019).jpg|David Adams Richards reading at The Mill Emma Donoghue reading in Jenny's Place - Eden Mills - 2017 (DanH-9226).jpg|Emma Donoghue reading in Jenny's Place The Mill - 2017 (DanH-9101).jpg|The Mill, one of the many venues for the festival The Bookstore in Publisher’s Way - 2017 (DanH-9064).jpg|The Bookstore in Publisher's Way Author’s book signing in Publisher’s Way - 2015 (DanH-6319).jpg|Book signing in Publisher's Way ==Running the Festival==

The Festival is run completely by volunteers. Many of these volunteers have been with the festival for years, and new ones are recruited each year. It is run by an eight-person board, six of whom are Eden Mills residents. The general membership of approximately 50 people assist with fundraising, operations, publicity, author selection, entertainment and music. On the day of the festival, 60 volunteers help with activities. Private sites are offered free of charge for readings, expressing the local support and generosity typical of this festival. ==Green festival==

Eden Mills is the first community in North America to attempt to have a carbon-neutral footprint. This is reflected in the festival planning and activities. The Eden Mills Writers' festival undertakes several precautions: "To avoid landfill-clogging plastic bottles, Eden Mills brings in a water tank to dispense treated water to thirsty attendees. Festival volunteers discourage the use of disposable food containers by transporting dirty dishes by teenaged volunteers on bikes for washing at a neighbouring summer camp. Shuttle buses from downtown Guelph help reduce the need for cars." ==References==