“A Spring Literary Arts Festival: The Plot Thickens” in McArthur, Ohio will feature a diverse schedule on Saturday, April 14, ranging from a writing contest awards ceremony to famous guest speakers and a mystery dinner theater.
At noon, the Friends of the Library will hold a reception and awards ceremony in the meeting room of the library for the winners of the Linda Ogle Russ Memorial Writing Contest. The general public is invited to attend as local writers are recognized for their writing merits that have focused on the mystery genre for this year’s contest.
Following the awards ceremony, Stephanie Barczewski, professor of history at Clemson University and author of Titanic: A Night Remembered, will offer a presentation and book signing commemorating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.
At 2:30, Steve Hamilton, mystery writer and winner of several awards, including the Hopwood Award for fiction, the Michigan author award, the best first mystery award by the Private Eye Writers of America, and most recently the 2011 Edgar Award and author of The Lock Artist and the Alex McKnight series, will also offer a presentation and book signing. Admission to the events at the library is free of charge.
Later that evening, ticketholders will have a special treat when Random Acts of Toledo engage the audience in a mystery dinner theater at 7:00 p.m. in the Vinton County High School cafetorium, entitled “A Titanic Mystery.” A $25 advance purchase ticket includes dinner and the show (on sale until Monday, April 9). The menu, provided by Chef Mary Reynolds of Flutes and Peppercorns, includes a mixed leaf salad with black peppercorn or sweet Vidalia onion dressings, roasted Cornish hens with sage, onion, and celery dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted mixed vegetables, homemade yeast rolls, and apple cake with rich vanilla sauce.
A Spring Literary Arts Festival: The Plot Thickens is sponsored by the Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library and the Friends of the Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library in McArthur, Ohio. Major events will begin on Monday, April 9 and the last event will be held on Sunday, April 15. For more information, contact the library at 740-596-5691 or visit the Friends of the Library on Facebook at Friends of the Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library, Inc.