Festival Events 2021 

Yet another year under the influence of the pandemic. Undeterred, the Literary Association forged ahead with ingenuity and determination. Instead of cancelling the 11th Annual Festival for another year, the Association delivered a two phase event. Phase 1, held in October 2021, presented a Virtual Festival featuring the five major authors who had been put on hold in 2020. Enhancing the Authors Sessions was complimentary programming featuring local artists, poets and musicians. The Association contracted the services of LIVE! – a company that specializes in delivering virtual events. Participation rates were strong and the audience came from far and wide. Phase 2, including the Writers’ Workshop, The Local Authors Event and the School programmes was to be delivered ‘live’ in late winter/early spring 2022. Alas, Covid had other plans. The Writers Workshop and the Local Authors Event had to be held on-line. Both events were well-attended and well-received. In April 2022, the virus abated, leaving the Association free to proceed with live presentations at the elementary, high school and community centre. 

New Directions 

KLA forged a new association this year with Massey Vanier High School. Guest authors will present not only at the elementary, but also at the secondary school. Further enhancing KLA’s association with Massey Vanier, is the establishment of an annual $250 Knowlton Literary Assocation scholarship to be awarded to a graduating student showing promise in writing skills. A member of the KLA Board will present the award at the graduation ceremonies. 

Community Support 

KLA is grateful for the continued support received from The Townshippers’ Foundation, The MRC and the Town of Brome Lake. In addition to these grants, KLA was able to access COVID Relaunch funds from the Sécretariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise, with support from ELAN 

(English Language Arts Network). The Association did send a letter of solicitation to its membership and truly appreciates the generosity of private donors. 

Board Members and Volunteers 

An acknowledgement of the tireless efforts of the KLA board members and volunteers who make the Festival happen year after year. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Jane Livingston, Chair