The 7th annual Maine Book Festival will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Thomaston Public Library and presented by Maine Authors Publishing. Meet over 110 talented authors from across Maine, representing a wide range of genres ready to sign and sell their books. Complete list available from www.MaineBookFestival.com.  

Rizza’s Kitchen food truck will be serving fresh and authentic Asian food. Find them on Facebook and Instagram @RizzasKitchen

Based out of Searsport, Stone Fox Farm Creamery will have homemade ice cream for purchase. FMI: www.stonefoxfarmcreamery.com.

A portion of the proceeds from the book sales and all raffle ticket sales will be donated to the Thomaston Public Library.

Learn about Maine wildlife and conservation from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and Georges River Land Trust informational booths.

Join Susan and Randee Lyn Cassidy, authors of "Ladybugs" and "Ellie Go Camping," as they explore fun outdoor adventures! Camp out on the library lawn while creating camping-themed crafts, setting up a campsite, building a firepit, fishing for ladybugs, filling your journal with imaginative camping adventures, and more!

From 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Chewonki will present “Animal Adaptations.” Maine’s diverse wildlife groups have unique adaptations required for surviving all of Maine’s seasons. Whether it’s the heron’s expert aim, the beaver’s waterproof lifestyle, or the hare’s winter wardrobe, our local animals have smart ways of staying alive. With live animal ambassadors and a collection of bioartifacts, this presentation explores the unique physical and behavioral adaptations that make Maine’s creatures the ultimate survivors. Chewonki is an environmental education organization that “inspires transformative growth, teaches appreciation and stewardship of the natural world, and challenges people to build thriving, sustainable communities throughout their lives.” Based in Wiscasset, Maine, they seek to strengthen communities, encourage lifelong learning, embrace the joy and wonder of nature, and foster an enduring commitment to steward the natural world.

From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., author Lou Zambello will present “Introduction to Fly Fishing.” Presentation and videos showing the grace, beauty, variety, and excitement of fly fishing in Maine and the world. Casting demonstrations and instruction on the hour for fifteen minutes will be offered throughout the day on the festival grounds. Lou Zambello is a widely published author, columnist, speaker, Maine Guide, and instructor. He is the author of "Flyfisher’s Guide to New England," "Fly Fishing Northern New England’s Seasons," "In Pursuit of Trophy Brook Trout," and "I’ll Be Home for Dinner…Unless There’s a Hatch." His content and commentary appears in fly-fishing magazines, books, and social media. Lou and his wife, Lindsey, fish throughout America and around the world.

From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., author Dana Valleau will present “Skins, Skulls, Tracks, Sign.” Dana Valleau, a Registered Maine Guide, has spent decades exploring Maine’s woods and waters as a fishing, hunting, whitewater, and recreation guide. In this hands-on presentation, Dana will bring real skins and skulls to explore Maine’s diverse wildlife along with teaching how to identify tracks and sign. Dana Valleau was born in Bangor, Maine, and raised in Orono, Maine, where he developed a passion for fishing and bird dog training from a young age. He holds a degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Maine and obtained his Juris Doctorate from the same institution in 1990. Following his education, Dana relocated to Greenville, Maine, where he worked as a raft guide for Eastern River Expeditions, primarily on the West Branch of the Penobscot. He earned various Maine guide licenses that year, including whitewater guiding, fishing, recreation, and hunting. Initially, guiding was a part-time pursuit, but in 2022 Dana transitioned to full-time guiding, dedicating himself entirely to exploring Maine’s waters and forests.

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) preserves, protects, and enhances the inland fisheries and wildlife resources of the state. There are hundreds of different species of wildlife that can be found in Maine. Some elicit thoughts of compassion, while others give us pause. Meet with MDIFW staff to talk about wildlife misconceptions, wildlife ID, ways to live with wildlife, and even how to manage your landscape for wildlife. FMI: www.maine.gov/ifw

The Rocky Coast String Band finds their roots in folk, newgrass, and Americana. You can expect originals and covers, cleverly put together with rich harmonies. This five-piece band hails from Rockland, Thomaston, Appleton, Liberty, and Owls Head. Originals build on the rich history of the maritime culture in the midcoast of Maine, and the repertoire can be adapted to all kinds of venues. The band has played all over the Midcoast, tickling audiences and bringing a rich sound that is engaging as well as entertaining.

Maine Authors Publishing has been bringing local stores, readers, and writers together since 2009. As a cooperative-style publisher, their goal is to support local independent authors throughout the publishing process with affordable services such as editing, design, printing, a trade catalog, distribution, and marketing assistance. Only a percentage of books are accepted under the Maine Authors Publishing imprint after they have been vetted. For more information, visit www.MaineAuthorsPublishing.com.

Special thank you to the Maine Book Festival sponsors The First National Bank, Eldredge Lumber & Hardware, Wallace Events, and Reclaimed Wild. 

The book festival will be held at the Thomaston Public Library, 60 Main St., Thomaston. Parking will be available at the library and nearby (follow the parking signs). The festival is open to the public and admission is free. For more information, visit www.MaineBookFestival.com.