WordFest begins its fourth year on Tuesday, September 7, 6:00-8:00 PM, at The Brits Tea Shoppe, 1427 Commerce Avenue, in Longview.
Kicking off the season will be three presenters reading their short stories.
Ron Naff, a pastor for more than 30 years, and just finishing a fifteen year pastorate at the First Christian Church in Longview, will read, “Hattie’s World,” a humorous account of what happens when the pastor of a church in a small town is asked to conduct the funeral service for a parishioner he absolutely could not stand. “It’s a situation that many pastors can probably identify with but don’t want to admit,” says Ron.
Joan Delgado will read “Another Dance”, a story by her husband, Ed Delgado, based on his experiences during World War II as an aerial gunner in the South Pacific. Ed worked for Boeing in quality control for many years before he retired. He has been writing short stories since he was 10.
Ned Piper, a WordFest regular, will read, “First Born”, about a newly married man whose younger brother, returning from Viet Nam, moves in with the newlyweds, causing unpleasant results. Ned, a Cowlitz PUD Commissioner, started writing plays, poetry, short stories and novels during his college days at Lower Columbia College and the University of Washington.
In upcoming months, Alan Rose will be reading from his newest novel, Tales of Tokyo, at the October WordFest; and in November, naturalist Robert Michael Pyle will be reading from his new book, “Mariposa Road”; also at the November WordFest, poets Judith Irwin and Carolyn Norred will be leading a “Poet’s Night,” where they will be providing feedback to presenters on their poems.
The Brits offers a select menu for those who wish to have a meal with the readings, and wine is available from Capstone Cellars.
The Brits opens at 5:30 pm.