Such fairs are necessary, even crucial, more important than their 2 column ads in local papers suggest. They are the outposts of a field in transition and they themselves are endangered. For now the spirit lives and the budgets are smaller. To succeed these days it takes some luck and if there is a category of bookselling that deserves some luck, it is the book fairs. They deserve support.
This particular fair is sited in the Gold Rush district of northern California. The drive is pleasant, the weather almost always accommodating, even spectacular, the folks friendly. They all have in common the paper gene, one not yet scientifically confirmed, but if you have it you are feeling a buzz just thinking about what you may find on Saturday May 14th. And bring a young collector. It is upon their shoulders that the love of books, history and collecting will be transported into the future.
This year’s Gold Rush Book Fair will include -
40 or so book, postcard and ephemera dealers,
Appraisals by Bruce McMaken of PBA Auction Galleries for up to 12 books for a buck a book donation to local libraries. Last year, one person for their dollar, got a $50,000 appraisal and hugs all around.
Free parking at the Nevada County Fair Grounds
Links
Official Site
http://www.friendsofthenevadacountylibraries.org/gold_rush_fair.htm
Last minute exhibitor sign-up [subject to availability]
Tom Dunham
530.478.9441
All funds earned from exhibitor, admission and appraisal fees will be donated to local libraries.
