A History of LitFest

Twenty-five Years of the
Tehama County Literary Festival

1980 - 2005

Judy Turner

by Judy Turner

Preparation for the "Young Authors' Workshop" began in the fall of 1980 under the direction of Sandy Lucero, Curriculum Consultant for the Tehama County Department of Education (TCDE). This first Workshop featured author Walt Morey and wildlife photographer Joe Van Wormer, both from Oregon. Approximately 125 fifth through twelfth grade students came to Vista School on Saturday, March 28, 1981 for this inaugural event. In addition to hearing from the two featured guests, students attended two workshops of their choice (eleven workshops were offered). All workshop participants submitted original writings and/or illustrations. Prizes were awarded, and all entries were printed in The Alphabet . . . and Then . . ., a TCDE publication.

Among the initial planning group were long-time committee members Barbara Luzzadder, librarian, and Len Stohler, technology teacher, both from Vista School. Judy Turner, TCDE Supervisor of Library and Media Services, arranged for the authors.

The Young Authors' Workshop was off to a very successful start! Approximately 125 to 170 students attended each year through the late 1990's. Each year the Workshop has attracted notable children's book authors and illustrators as well a performance groups from across the nation (see the list at the end of this article).

Small-group workshops were presented by the featured guests and by talented people from the local area. These workshops featured hands-on activities in writing (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, music lyrics, etc.) and communicating through art and performance. Some workshop presenters were a part of the event for several years. These included Len Stohler (computers), Debbie Slavin (calligraphy), Bert and Jeanette Miraglia (silk screening), Chris Uchibori (rap music lyrics), Bryon Burruss (drama), Jessie Trotter (book making), and Cindy Fralin (computer animation). Also Shawni McBride coordinated workshop presentations by her AP English students for several years.

A very creative, dedicated and hard-working committee made this event possible. Many teachers, educational staff and community members have been active on the committee over the years, some even continuing after their retirement. Long-term committee members included Sandy Lucero (TCDE), Barbara Luzzadder (Vista School), Judy Turner (TCDE), Rosemarie Boitano (Los Molinos Elementary), Betty Brown (Richfield), Jan Shillingburg (Metteer), C. Jerome Crow (Red Bluff Daily News), Len Stohler (Vista School), George DeFillipo (Plum Valley School), Andrea Beaumont (Corning High), Jackie Dunbar (TCDE), Pat Gleason (Maywood Middle School), Maureen Lasley (TCDE), Jennifer Stetson (TCDE), Kay Fox (Bidwell School), Cathy Klinesteker (Evergreen School), Jessie Trotter (Maywood Middle School), and Jane Hoofard (Mineral School).

The assistance of high school student volunteers has been another essential element each year. Students from Red Bluff High, Mercy High and Corning High have assisted workshop presenters, helped with workshop setups, registrations, snacks, book sales, clean up, and other items. These students represented groups such as California Scholarship Federation, Friday Night Live, and local service clubs, or were individual volunteers.

In 1983 the name was changed to "Tehama County Literary Festival." Other changes were also made. In 1988 the Festival was moved to the late fall/winter. That also was the last year Sandy Lucero chaired the Festival. Roxy Williams, Special Events Coordinator for TCDE, headed the event from 1989 through December, 1995. Judy Turner and Jackie Dunbar co-chaired the Festival 1996 - 2000. Turner became sole chair in 2001. Also in 2001 the Festival was moved back to the spring months. In 2004 Maureen Lasley, the new TCDE Director of Library and Media Services, took over chairmanship of the Festival, which was renamed "LitFest" in 2005.

From its inception in 1980 through December, 1997, the Literary Festival was always held on a Saturday. But people's lives were changing, and Saturdays were difficult for both students and adults. Attendance had dropped to about 100 students. In January, 1999, at the suggestion of several teachers, the Festival was moved to a school day afternoon/early evening event. That year over 250 students participated in the Literary Festival. Enthusiasm and attendance continued to increase during the following years.

Because the Festival was moved to a school day in 1999, it could no longer be held at Vista School. Facilities at the First Church of God and Bethel Temple were rented for the day. In 2000, the Seventh Day Adventist Church was also rented. In 2001 and 2002 the Festival was held at Red Bluff High, following a minimum day. In 2003 and 2004, it was held at Corning High, also following a minimum day. In 2005, it will again be at Red Bluff High School.

Every year, participating students' writings and illustrations have been published in the Festival book, The Alphabet . . . and Then . . .. This book originally included all the submitted student works. When this became unwieldy, only winning entries (first, second, third and honorable mention) were included. In 2003 the format switched from print to publishing on a CD. First place entries were also published on the TCDE web site. Many times over the years, student works have been published in local newspapers.

Thanks to the support and encouragement of the Tehama County Department of Education, especially county superintendents Lou Bosetti, Marvin Locke and Bob Douglas, and the help and dedication of many, many people, the LitFest has been a wonderful success for twenty-five years. Hopefully it will continue to provide a fun, exciting and worthwhile experience for students for many years to come.

Copyright 2005-2007, Tehama County Department of Education, Red Bluff, California
For more information, contact Maureen Lasley
Last updated: Wednesday, January 24, 2007