The Great Valley Bookfest in Manteca returned to the Bass Pro Promenade over the weekend, Oct. 9, to feature a smorgasbord of book-related booths from local authors to open-air bookstores. Local authors J.H. Leigh and Major Mitchell were in attendance representing Oakdale with their diverse catalog of fiction.

The day was filled with sessions including author talks, writers’ forums, book signings, publishing workshops, cooking demonstrations, slam poetry performances, and other activities. A “street fair” corridor featuring vendors, display booths, and information kiosks connected the events and there were plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep the youngest readers entertained.