By: Debra Roberts, Contributing Writer
Northborough – Folks of all ages were invited to “eat their words” as the Northborough Library served up its inaugural Edible Book Festival celebration on March 30. This event is a worldwide celebration held on or around April 1. The global event was initiated by Judith A. Hoffberg and Beatrice Coron in 2000. It was developed to celebrate the birthday of French gastronome, Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826), who was famous for his book “Psysiologie du goût,” which was described as “a witty meditation on food.”
The tradition is a creative way to showcase our culture and blend culinary arts with literary arts. You needn’t be a foodie or bibliophile to enter. It is an event meant to appeal to anyone as food and books are universal topics enjoyed by all ages and all cultures.
Librarian Deborah Hersh wanted to bring this charming event to Northborough.
“We are always looking for ways to connect with all members of our community and I thought that the Edible Book Festival would have a wide appeal.”
After the entries were submitted, guests were asked to vote on their top four choices ranked in order of favorites. Ribbons were awarded to the top four winners. Hersh mentioned that she would share the winning entry on the International Edible Book Festival Facebook Page, called: Books2eat: International Edible Books Festival.
Sixteen-year-old Robie Mulligan was the first prize winner with his fiercely tasty-looking “The Life of Pi” edible book. He had constructed a tiger with pound cake coated in colored chocolate and a life boat made of pretzel logs. His sister, Maura (15) won second prize for her “Lord of the Flies” edible book. Third prize went to adult patron, Gayle Field for “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and fourth prize to Claire (7 years old), Daniel (9), and Sarah (12) Stroscio, from Westborough for their edible book, “The Rainbow Fish.”
After the winners were announced, it was time for the literal literary feast as the participants offered up a serving of their edible treats to each other and ate each other’s works. The books were fondly devoured.
Hersh was pleased with the turnout and said the event was “successful enough for us to give it a go again next year!”
To find out about other exciting programs offered at the Northborough Library, click on the link: http://www.northboroughlibrary.org/northborough/events.asp
For more information about the International Edible Book Festival visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Books2eat-International-Edible-Books-Festival/105378442920340?fref=ts
Photos/Debra Roberts