Eden Mills Writers’ Festival calls on community for help

By Fernando Arce, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

The 36th annual Eden Mills Writers’ Festival went without a hitch this past Sunday, Sept. 8, but organizers say its future depends on securing enough funding through donations as ticket sales only cover a fraction of their costs.

“It was a make-or-break year for us, and while we’re thrilled with the festival experience, we still have a lot of work to do to ensure funding continues for next year,” board chair Theresa Ebden told the Milton Reporter.

“We continue to work on securing new donors and funders to sustain the magic another year. Donations are critical in helping us deliver our events each year (as only 9% of our costs are covered by ticket sales).”

So far, they’ve raised about half of their $50,000-fundraising target, which ticket sales and the festival itself contributed to. But it’s crucial to meet the target to ensure the festival’s future, says Ebden.

“We slightly exceeded last year’s sponsorships which helped a bit. We are about halfway to our goal and definitely can use all the help we can get,” she says.

But the community came through this past weekend in throngs to enjoy over 40 featured authors in the village of Eden Mills, who “were helped by nearly 100 volunteers,” says Ebden, adding that they’ve had “very positive feedback from attendees.”

“We slightly exceeded last year’s audience numbers and were able to secure enough ticket and donation revenue to cover our costs for this year’s festival,” she says.

Some highlights for the crowds included:

The Kim Lang Set: These Words at This Moment. Presenters: Carol Off (At a Loss for Words: Conversation in an Age of Rage), Tanya Talaga (The Knowing); Host: Deborah Dundas, editor for the Toronto Star’s Opinion section

Panel: Stop. Rewind. Rewrite. Presenters: Emily Austin (Gay Girl Prayers), Cherie Dimaline (Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix), Canisia Lubrin (Code Noir) Host: Bee Quammie, writer, radio host, television personality

Our Green Heart: The Soul and Science of Forests. Presenter: Diana Beresford-Kroeger. Session Format: Reading and interview. Host: Adria Vasil, managing editor of Corporate Knights, and author of the bestselling Ecoholic book series

Readings from writers from The University of Guelph Creative Writing MFA program, and the Read at the Fringe 2024 contest winners.

Now, says Ebden, “the cycle begins again!” as they continue securing the beloved community festival.

Tax-deductible donations can be made at www.emwf.ca.