UAlbany Fall Festival and Book Fair Features Top Authors and Great Fun

October 9 event boasts nearly 30 UAlbany authors, a farmers' market, and student performances

 

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 21, 2010) -- The University at Albany campus goes into high gear on Saturday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when it welcomes the community to the Fall Festival and Book Fair 2010 during Homecoming weekend.

The Book Fair features nearly 30 UAlbany faculty and alumni authors whose successful and influential published works represent a variety of genres including literature, history, politics, health care, ethics and world affairs, among them.  Authors will give readings and be available for book signings.

The broad range of thought-provoking books includes: You Should Have Died on Monday, by Frankie Y. Bailey; That Place Called Home, by Paul Grondahl, M.A. '84; The Spy Who Loved Us, by Thomas A. Bass; 1960: LBJ vs. JFK vs. Nixon, The Epic Campaign That Forged Three Presidencies, by David Pietrusza, B.A. '71, M.A. '72; Toolbox for Sustainable City Living, by Stacy Pettigrew, B.A.'97; Garlic and Other Alliums: The Lore and the Science, by Eric Block; and many more.

"Our faculty and alumni authors demonstrate an extraordinary range of expertise and accomplishment," said UAlbany President George M. Philip. "Our Book Fair is a great opportunity for the entire region to come out and meet these authors.We hope people of all ages will also enjoy the many other activities that are part of our Fall Festival and Homecoming."

Fall Festival events will take place on the back lawn of the Science Library on UAlbany's Uptown Campus.

UAlbany's commitment to sustainability will be highlighted through a number of activities. A Farmers' Market will feature locally grown produce and homemade treats from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and all proceeds will benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Last year's Farmers' Market at UAlbany Community Day raised $5,000.

Sheepherding demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. will be hosted by Gary Kleppel, professor of biological sciences and director of the Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy Program at UAlbany, and a farmer who is dedicated to sustainable practices.

Talented UAlbany students will perform. Their contributions include a cappella groups and demonstrations of salsa dancing and karate. Numerous acts begin at 11 a.m. and run through 2 p.m.

An array of kids' activities, including pumpkin decorating and a rock-wall climb, will be hosted by the UAlbany Alumni Association. Also on hand will be the canine unit of the University Police Department, demonstrating how dogs assist in police investigations.

Also on campus, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., is the annual Touchdown Tailgate Party before the homecoming football game, when the UAlbany Great Danes take on the St. Francis Red Flash. Kick-off is at 1 p.m. on nearby University Field.

At 8 p.m. media legend Barbara Walters will be the featured speaker of The World Within Reach Speaker Series. Ms. Walters, a veteran of NBC's "Today Show," and ABC's "Nightly News" and "20/20" news magazine,currently hosts "The Barbara Walters Specials" and is creator, co-host and producer of ABC's daytime talk show "The View." The event is open to UAlbany students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.

Please visit Fall Festival and Book Fair 2010 for a complete schedule.

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Educationally and culturally, the University at Albany-SUNY puts "The World Within Reach" for its 18,000 students. An internationally recognized research university with 58 undergraduate majors and 128 graduate degree programs, UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as public policy, nanotechnology and criminal justice. With a curriculum enhanced by 300 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers. For more information about this globally ranked University, visit www.albany.edu. For UAlbany's extensive roster of faculty experts, visit www.albany.edu/news/experts.shtml.