Two big "Big River" events coming up

Spring is just around the corner -- and so are two back to back events for Monroe St. Press in the same location. 

We will be participating in the first Big River Steampunk Spring Faire Saturday and Sunday, March 30 and 31 at the Admiral Coontz Armory in Hannibal, Mo. Two weeks later, on Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., we will also be among the vendors at the first ever Big River Comic Con. 

At the Spring Faire, our table will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Additionally, we will be presenting a workshop at 12 noon both days on Victorian Desktop Publishing. 

The first commercially successful "desktop publishing" device was introduced in 1874 -- the manual typewriter. Today, the typewriter is enjoying a bit of a renaissance in an increasingly wired world. Writers are even gathering for events known as "type-ins" in order to experience a more tactile, distraction-free method of composition. 

In this presentation, Elaine Spencer of Monroe St. Press will discuss the history of the typewriter and give participants an opportunity to try out some writing exercises on vintage (pre-electric) typewriters. All participants are encouraged to bring their own portable typewriters; there may be extra machines available if you do not own one, but this cannot be guaranteed. 

Many other seminars and workshops will also be presented at the Spring Faire (indoor) event -- the first of two steampunk-themed events planned during the bicentennial year of the city of Hannibal. The 6th annual Big River Steampunk Festival (primarily an outdoor event) will still take place on Labor Day weekend as in previous years. More info and tickets for premium events at both festivals can be found at this site. 

The Big River Comic Con, meanwhile, is NOT affiliated with the Spring Faire or Steampunk Festival -- it is a separate event with a classic "comic con" format featuring the best in comics, sci-fi, fantasy, and superhero art, books, costumes and memorabilia. Admission is $15 (free for kids 12 and under). Tickets may be purchased online here or at the door (cash only). 

Since Monroe St. Press will not be participating in the Labor Day Steampunk Festival this year, we invite all our customers and fans in the Illinois, Iowa and Missouri Tri-State Area to come visit us at either or both of these events.