It’s a new year. Can you believe it?
Personally, I feel like 2021 flew by. There were so many ups and downs, both for the world and for the Fox Cities Book Festival.
When our group started planning the Fox Cities Book Festival Presents: 2021 Fox Cities Reads and the 2021 Fox Cities Book Festival, we envisioned being together in a physical space. The idea of once again getting to be amongst fellow book lovers was exhilarating! But then, gradually, conditions grew more dire. Libraries, our main venues, canceled more and more programs. And, finally, the decision to be 100% virtual had to be made. Without making these tough calls, there was a risk of having to cancel all events. Thus, our 2021 year of (mostly) virtual events.
Still, in 2021, we were able to gather and grow alongside a vast selection of writers, and an audience of readers. By the end of the year, thousands of people had viewed our programs. I truly hope you were among those moved by the selections. 
A highlight of the 2021 year was the generosity of those who donated to the Fox Cities Book Festival. My heart is full with the compassion of our donors. Thank you to those who gave monthly. Thank you to the organizations that awarded sponsorships and grants. Thank you to those who gifted a one-time donation. Thank you to those who participated in GivingTuesday. Thank you to those who contributed in-kind, with time and talents. You are appreciated and are the reason the Fox Cities Book Festival can exist and continue!
What’s next?
- Fox Cities Book Festival Presents: 2022 Fox Cities Reads
This year, the Fox Cities Book Festival is planning to bring a variety of events for everyone, from bibliophiles to Wisconsin enthusiasts. Each spring, the Fox Cities Book Festival hosts a community read. We call this the Fox Cities Reads! Our upcoming announcement of the 2022 community read will be on February 22 at 6:30 PM at the Menasha Public Library and online! There also will be programming tying into this year’s book selection. All programming information will be found on our social media pages (for our Facebook page, click HERE) and our website.
- 2022 Fox Cities Book Festival
The Fox Cities Book Festival actively is working on the lineup for the 2022 Fox Cities Book Festival that will return in October! If you are interested in being a presenting author in the 2022 Fox Cities Book Festival, please click HERE to submit proposals. Please submit your presentation proposals by February 1 to be considered for the 2022 Fox Cities Book Festival this October. Authors will be contacted by June about participation in the 2022 festival.
- Connect with us!
Say hello to us at the Community Public Market on Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 9AM – 2PM at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center (located at 355 W Lawrence St, Appleton, WI ). We will have copies of our 2022 Fox Cities Reads selection and other books for sale! All purchases will support the Fox Cities Book Festival.
As safe opportunities arise, we will be out in the community! We are working on adding more book sales and other fundraising events to our calendar. Do you have a suggestion for us? We would love to hear from you!
As we head into 2022 together, please know that the Fox Cities Book Festival is still very much here to connect writers and readers. Each board and committee member graciously gives many hours of brainstorming and planning. If you would like to help us plan for the future, please consider contacting us at info@foxcitiesbookfestival.org to become a board member or volunteer with us. If you are able to donate to keep the Fox Cities Book Festival thriving, we would be grateful. To arrange a one-time or recurring donation, please click HERE.
Here’s to 2022! It’s an honor to be on this journey with you.
Sincerely,
Aubrey Laux, Fox Cities Book Festival President
