Fantasy Meets Reality in Fredericton

Readers and authors gathered in Fredericton for the first Writers of the Realm Literary Festival. While attendees celebrated fantasy worlds, the event also highlighted a pressing issue in New Brunswick. Fifty three percent of adults in the province face literacy challenges.

Sakura Blue Studios hosted the inaugural festival at the Fredericton Inn on September 19. The event brought together authors, vendors, and readers. It also provided a platform for Read NB, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to improving adult literacy.

Addressing the Literacy Crisis

Jennifer Welles, a Read NB board member, delivered a talk detailing the literacy struggles in the province. She noted that 53 percent of New Brunswick adults face literacy challenges. This statistic arrives as the province fails to meet its own education targets.

Read NB offers free one on one tutoring for reading, writing, and digital literacy. Volunteers spend more than 1,000 hours each year tutoring adults. The organization uses public events to connect with the community and find people who need their services. You can volunteer as a tutor to help raise the literacy rate in your community.

Festival Highlights and Future Plans

Inside the venue, more than 80 vendors offered books and crafts across various literary genres. Attendees participated in a bingo sheet scavenger hunt and received gifts like bookmarks and books. Many participants wore costumes fitting the fantasy theme.

Writers of the Realm also promoted local writing throughout the summer. They ran a contest for short stories, poems, and short film scripts. Organizers handed out awards to youth and adult winners during the festival.

A fully booked Fantasy Ball followed the daytime literary event. Four hundred people attended the lunar themed evening, which featured a royal court, guided quests, and interactive challenges.

Organizers plan to bring the event back next year. Due to high interest, they will expand the festival to two days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Writers of the Realm Literary Festival?

It is a new literary event in Fredericton celebrating books, authors, and fantasy themes.

How many adults in New Brunswick struggle with literacy?

According to Read NB, 53 percent of adults in the province face literacy challenges.

What does Read NB do?

Read NB is a nonprofit organization that provides free one on one tutoring for adults in reading, writing, and digital literacy.

Will the festival return next year?

Yes, organizers plan to expand the festival into a two day event next year.