TURNERS FALLS — Unity Park will host an afternoon of poetry and prose during Sunday’s Great Falls Word Festival.
The 11th annual event, sponsored by Human Error Publishing, will run from 1 to 5 p.m. A press release from Human Error describes the festival as “community centered, genre crossing, boundary bending and inclusive.” The company is encouraging the sign-up and participation of local wordsmiths — especially new writers — to bring the best out of Turners Falls’ creative spirit.
Paul Richmond, owner and operator of Human Error Publishing, reminisced about past years when the festival would span three to four days and involve around 150 writers. Although this year’s festival is condensed into one afternoon, he said holding any such event is important “in this time of so many divides.”
“I didn’t want another year to go by without bringing the literary community together,” Richmond said.
In its first year, the Great Falls Word Festival was titled simply the “Poetry Festival.” Richmond explained he broadened the event’s focus due to public disinterest in poetry. Once the label had been generalized, Richmond noticed spectators having a new sense of wonder when they couldn’t put a finger on a written piece’s genre. Poetry or otherwise, Richmond would respond to questions about a work’s medium with a simple question of his own: “Did you like it?”
Going forward with this year’s festival, he is welcoming all styles of writing. Richmond, who has held monthly readings in Greenfield and at Shea Theater Arts Center, said Turners Falls and the surrounding towns have no shortage of skillful writers.
“There’s a lot of writing talent in the area,” he said.
Regardless of how refined each performer’s pen may be, Richmond said he’s just looking forward to fostering a supportive environment.
“Creating that atmosphere in which we respect each other in the time given is kind of a lost art,” he said.
Performances will be ordered by sign-up time, while prioritizing festival newcomers. A microphone will be provided for each performer to recite one to two pieces of their work. Writers are encouraged to bring a table and books to sell, and spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
The Santo Taco food truck and Pioneer Valley Brewery will provide refreshments. The event will be rescheduled if it rains.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.