After the cancelled 2020 event, Lit Fest 2021 came back this September 11th and 12th much the same as in past years. The same sections of Dearborn and Polk streets were blocked off — to be filled with tents and tables for exhibitors. And IWOC sublet a portion of a tent from the Illinois Woman’s Press Association (IWPA) as in the past several years.

    

What was different this year was our space. Instead of crowding IWOC authors' books and IWOC promotional material onto one-half of an eight-foot table, we had an entire table. This ensured plenty of room for both of our activities. It also provided a comfortable space for the authors and volunteers staffing our exhibit.

Four IWOC authors (Cindy Bertram, Adela Durkee, Anna Marie Kukec Tomczyk, Joseph Wycoff) displayed their books and were all successful in making sales. They also covered a number of volunteer slots over the two days, supplementing the other IWOC member volunteers.

A great big THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support IWOC.

The Lit Fest attendee turnout for the event was less than in the most recent few years but was sufficient to make the effort worthwhile. That was reflected in the 39 sign-ups for our email list as compared to 50 or 60 in the last few years. But those who stopped at our exhibit seemed more interested in our presentations. In all, it was a successful two days in the Printers Row neighborhood of Chicago.

- George Becht