To The Editor:

A few weeks ago, The Newtown Bee published two articles on Connecticut Book Festivals, a volunteer organization created to support aspiring and published authors throughout the State to become successful writers. In the articles, we announced our intention to put together our first Book Fair event in Newtown.

I’m delighted to confirm that the Newtown Author Festival will take place in the Great Room at the Congregational Church on West Street between 10 am and 3 pm on Saturday October 17.

The Festival provides a great opportunity for Newtowners to meet a variety of CT-based authors, talk to them about their books and their writing journeys, and also purchase a few items that would make excellent holiday gifts or add to your own reading enjoyment. We expect about 40 authors to participate, covering many different genres, so there should be something for everyone on display.

Events such as these do not take place without a lot of planning and preparation. We want to give a big shout out to Pastor Matt and Christine (the Congregational Church Office Manager) for being such willing and supportive partners. It is important to mention that there will be a Food Drive at the church that day and we strongly encourage everyone who visits to bring along some much-needed non-perishable food items.

As is often the case, we are very lucky to have different events happening across town. The Newtown Lions Mustang Raffle Prize Drawing also takes place on Saturday October 17th in front of Edmond Town Hall at 1 pm. What a great opportunity to visit both? Who knows, if you have bought your Mustang tickets, you may even end up winning the car!

For those who may not know us Connecticut Book Festivals (CBF) was created by Luca DiMatteo and Andrea Petitte in May 2024. We are an author-run organization dedicated to providing CT-based authors exceptional opportunities to network, improve their writing skills, navigate the complex world of publishing and promoting their books and increase sales at high quality venues throughout the State. We are also committed to helping those who dream of becoming published authors through our associate membership program.

We put authors first. Membership of CBF is free and Authors are never charged to participate in our events. In 2025, we became a 501(c)(3) organization. Now, with the help of donations and grants we plan to create programming that allows both our published authors and unpublished writers to access opportunities to advance their writing careers. Connecticut Book Festivals does not ask members to donate but, rather, to help us find donors, sponsors and other opportunities to make this organization grow stronger and better for all its members.

Connecticut Book Festivals is constantly adding new authors and expanding its reach. As of today, we have over 600 Members and Associate Members. Further information about CBF, as well as the application form for CBF Membership can be found on our website at www.connecticutbookfestivals.com.

Neil P. Randle

Sandy Hook

On behalf of Connecticut Book Festivals