Local Restaurants Invited to Promote Signature Dishes Through Books
Written by Post Public Information Representative, May 9, 2011, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Friends of the Library fundraiser to help fill new libraries with books
(Laredo, TX ) Grapes of Wrath. Tortilla Flat. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Green Eggs and Ham. The titles of books referencing food is endless – and mouthwatering – and that is exactly what the Friends of the Library (FOTL) are hoping for when they host their first ever Eat and Read Festival on Friday, June 3, 2011 at the Laredo Civic Center, inviting local restaurants to bring one of these or any other food-friendly titled book to life with dishes and decorations that will be a feast for the eyes.
“All proceeds from this event will go towards filling the two library branches with books and other media that will truly complete the new buildings,” said Nellie Trust, president of the FOTL committee that has been working for the past eight months to raise money for the new South Laredo Branch Library and the Northwest Recreation Center & Branch Library. “We are looking for restaurants that can represent a favorite classic or children’s book. The book selected will be provided to the restaurant and the public can admire both the booth decorations that represent the book, as well as the taste of the restaurant’s fine cuisine.”
Organizers hope to attract at least 500 spectators to the event, highlighting the fact there will be a variety of dishes to satisfy every appetite, both of the culinary and literary kind.
“From chicken soup to chicken nuggets, or from spaghetti and meatballs to surf and turf, this event will be the first city-wide public appreciation of books, all while promoting the value of reading,” said City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas, who is looking forward to seeing the book “Too Many Tamales” brought to life by a local eatery.
Organizers hope that restaurants will find a marketing value in a simple, inexpensive and creative way to promote their establishment’s food and celebrate reading. Booth fee is $100 per 10’ x 8’ pipe and draped booth. Each space will include one table-clothed and skirted table and access to 110 v electrical outlet. Restaurants must provide own 20 foot extension cord, cooking supplies and of course, decorations. Booth location will be done on a first come, first serve basis. Aside from food, there will be music and other activities.
