FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Laura Ward, Strategic Vision, LLC
Phone: 404-880-0098

Atlanta, GA/January 24, 2005 - The North Georgia town of Dahlonega will be transformed February 18 - 20, 2005 into a mecca of the literary world as it hosts the Second Annual Dahlonega Literary Festival. The three-day event attracts leading authors and publishers from across the nation to Dahlonega where they provide autographing sessions, seminars, and readings. The children can gather around for story time and excitement at the Scholastic Book Fair with Clifford the Big Red Dog and the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland in the historic downtown. Headlining the event will be Ludlow Porch, who will also serve as keynote speaker for the festival's kickoff dinner, as well as, famed football coach and NASCAR racer, Jerry Glanville, Ronda Rich, and Dedra Grizzard, widow of famed columnist and author Lewis Grizzard. The festival will conclude with the premiere of "G.R.I.T.S., Georgia, and Grizzard," a Southern humor show.

"We are pleased to be having so many outstanding authors this year," said Kate Quigley McElliott, Chairperson and Founder of the Dahlonega Literary Festival, "This festival came about because of our love of reading and a desire to inspire this love in others, particularly our children. We never envisioned when we started the festival in 2004 that it would be as popular as it has become."

The Dahlonega Literary Festival was launched in 2004 by residents of Dahlonega in hopes of advancing literacy and reading. The original festival attracted over 40 authors conducting book signings, readings, and seminars throughout the historic town square. This year, planners expect the number of visitors to reach 2000 or more. Authors and publishers from across the nation will provide seminars on such topics as how to get published, how to write the perfect novel, and steps to successful storytelling. Additionally, the authors will be conducting readings from their works as well as signing books.

One of the highlights of the festival, will be the Author's Kickoff Dinner that will feature a keynote speech by Ludlow Porch. Tickets are available for the dinner through the Holly Theatre in Dahlonega. Sports enthusiasts will have a real treat to get insight from author, former Falcons and Oilers Head Coach, and current NASACR racer, Jerry Glanville. For children, the Scholastic Book Fair will provide both entertainment and learning. On Sunday, a moving tribute to the late Lewis Grizzard is a must see event for fans of his offbeat humor. There will also be an antiquarian book sale and photo displays by Pulitzer Prize winning photo journalist Dallas Kinney and acclaimed photographer James Kuether that accompanies a presentation by award winning author Jonathon O'Dell.