Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada

2.     When is the Festival?
        Some time in the last ten days of July.   Festival 2008 is from July 17 - 20.  The festival usually runs three days but may cover as many as five evenings. 

3.     Who goes to the Festival? 
        Patrons range in age from 6 to100. The Festival is popular with book-lovers, aspiring and published authors, members of reading groups, and members of the general public looking for a change from the ho-hum fare of TV.  Festival admissions have exceeded 2000 the last three years. 

4.     Is the Festival a convention or book fair? 
Neither. There is always a book table, run by a Saskatchewan book seller, at which the books of the presenters and related titles may be purchased. The authors are available for autographing these books. The Festival is a carnival of events and happenings that will spark your imagination. 

5.     Are there displays? 
        Other than the booktable and the Festival's own displays there is very little room for displays for commercial or nonprofit groups.   A few groups with displays relevant to the Festival's theme may be granted some of the very limited space. 

6.     Who puts on the Festival? 
        A non-profit group of citizens who are dedicated to promoting literacy and celebrating the imaginative uses of language. We have 2.5 employees and over 155 volunteers. We began this work in 1997 with our first festival. 

7.     Who's  performing at this summer's Festival?
        This website will be updated as authors are confirmed.

8.     Where does the Festival of Words take place?
        All our events take place in and around Moose Jaw's scenic Crescent Park which includes the Moose Jaw Art Museum Theatre, the Public library, and various nearby halls and theatres, none more than two blocks away. Venues range in capacity from 60 people to over 800. Our registration desk will provide you with a free programme containing all the information you need - bios of the presenters, a schedule and a map of the venues. 

9.     Where IS Moose Jaw? 
        We are right on the Trans-Canada highway approximately 200 miles north of the Canada-U.S. border (49th parallel) and midway between Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Calgary, Alberta. There are major highways running north and south (into the United States). Moose Jaw is 45 minutes from a major airport. 

10.     How much do events cost? 
          Prices range from a few dollars for children and youth to an average of $8.00 for adults. Some adult events that include front-line entertainment and meals may cost $15.00 - $30.00. Occasionally, very special events may cost more. A few events are free. Patrons can save up to 50% by purchasing a festival pass, especially before the end of June. 

11.     Where and when do I get tickets? 
          Tickets can be obtained by calling 691-0557 (in Moose Jaw) and 888-287-0557 from elsewhere in Canada; or by Email at word.festival@sasktel.net; or by writing us at 217 Main St. North., Moose Jaw, SK, Canada, S6H 0W1. 

12.     What is there for kids?
         The Festival will frequently have events designed for children-- children's authors and illustrators, singers, puppeteers, storytellers.  Check the programme for details.  Programming for youth (presenters with special youth appeal) is integrated with regular Festival offerings.  See #14 below for information on a writing workshop for teens.

13.     How do the presenters get selected? 
          We have a representative Program Team that starts planning each festival four of five months before the current one. Nominations may be made to the team by anyone in any format and often come from the following: members, volunteers, patrons, writers (nominating themselves or colleagues), agents and publishers.  Send samples of work, web site locations, CDs etc.  The Festival solicits input from patrons and occasionally a broader circle with such devices as open-ended evaluation forms and ballots.  The Festival has a data base of over 600 potential presenters, which it is constantly looking to enlarge.  From time to time the Festival convenes focus groups to suggest program elements and presenters.  We pay particular attention to people with a reputation as lively presenters and to those who have recent material.  
Send to: Program Team, Festival of Words, 217 Main St. N., Moose Jaw, SK, S6H 0W1 or word.festival@sasktel.net

14.     What is the Teen Writing Experience? 
          The Festival, in partnership with Sage Hill Writing Experience offers a five-day intense workshop for teens 14 - 18.   Participants, who may come from anywhere in Canada, are selected after submitting samples of their writing and completing an application form available from us.   The program is run by an experienced instructor who is also a published writer.   The instructor will usually bring in one or two guest instructors and arrange a public reading for the group that is part of the Festival's offerings.  Deadline for applications is May 15, 2008 .  We can arrange billets for out-of-town teens if these are requested on application. 

15.     Where can I stay if I come to the Festival?
          Moose Jaw has many excellent inns, camp grounds and bed & breakfast establishments. We have a directory of these with a site map and rates and features available.  See the answer to question 11 on how to contact us. We advise early booking of accommodations as there are often other major events happening during Festival week. 

16.     What else is there to do in the Moose Jaw area? 
          City of Moose Jaw Tourism

          Accommodations
Moose Jaw has many unique and interesting offerings for travelers.  The city itself has many fine recreation facilities including three golf courses, tennis courts, walking trails, indoor and outdoor pools. Throughout the downtown, which features much interesting period architecture, are numerous historic murals.  These can be viewed by a walking tour or on Moose Jaw's historic trolley car ride. 

     Other popular sites: The Tunnels of Moose Jaw, Western Development Museum, Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum, Yvette Moore Gallery, Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, Cranberry Rose Gallery and Gifts, and Lasting Impressions Gift and Craft Gallery as well as many gift and specialty shops and a fine variety of eateries.

17.     What else does the Festival of Words do?
          In addition to the summer festival and the Teen Writing Experience, throughout the year we organize readings, arrange school visits, present concerts, run a Books for Kids project, present the Moose Jaw Honours Awards night, direct the CineView film society, and promote the festival with displays and materials at various events.

18.     How can I help the Festival?
          We are always pleased to have volunteers of all ages.  People in Moose Jaw and area can serve on any of the Festival Teams (Accommodations, Attractions, Facilities, Hospitality, Hosting, Program, Promotions, Registration, Resources) or sign-up for specific tasks on a casual basis. People who live elsewhere (anywhere!) can be Festival agents distributing posters and leaflets. We are greatly encouraged when our supporters also take out a five dollar annual festival membership or make a donation to the Festival.