Join us on Small Business Saturday, November 28, from 10AM to 2PM at Russo’s Books, 1601 New Stine, Bakersfield, California.
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Holiday Writers Row: Meet the Makers, Local Authors, Local Voices is a local event that celebrates books, creativity, and community. Local author book signings, food, music, craft vendors, and hands-on activities create an inspiring and welcoming atmosphere for all ages. It’s a chance to enjoy stories, engage in creative experiences, and connect with others through a shared love of books.
The event also supports an important cause. Proceeds from the event will help provide scholarships for local student authors, making it both a meaningful and enjoyable way to spend the day. Scholarship information is here: https://writersofkern.com/student-member-scholarships/ Writers of Kern is proud to support Kern County student authors with this scholarship fundraiser hosted by Russo’s Books.
Visitors can expect a full schedule, including the opportunity to meet local authors and podcasters. We welcome groups and students! Join us for a variety of activities, including:
- Author Meet and Greet tables
- Music and Craft activities for all ages
- Book Bedazzling
- Make Your Own Book and/or Bookmark
- Vintage and Collectible Book Sales
- Craft Items from Local Vendors
- Author Readings
- Literary Finds From the Lost Library (Blind Date with a Vintage or Collectible Book)
- Opportunity Baskets and Silent Offerings, and
- Gifts and Grab Bags for everyone on your holiday gift list
Attendance at this event is free with on-site parking available first come, first served. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this unique holiday event!
Author and Vendor Information
Writers of Kern is a chapter of California Writers Club, a 501c3 non-profit organization. Find out more about California Writers Club here: https://calwriters.org/ and Writers of Kern here: https://writersofkern.com/
This event supports scholarships for Kern County student writers. Find out more here:
https://writersofkern.com/student-member-scholarships/
Event Name: Holiday Writers Row: Meet the Makers, Local Authors, Local Voices
Date: November 28, 2026
Set-Up: 9:00 AM
Tear-Down: 2:00 PM No early tear down. Vendors will not have access to parking for removal of displays and vendor areas until 2:00 PM
Event hours: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Russo’s Books, 1601 New Stine, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Parking: We will have some limited vendor parking available near the event. There is only room for one vehicle per space rental, so if you are sharing, you will need to ride share. You may also have to move your vehicle away from the site. There is parking across New Stine near West High School or Patriots Park. Caution is urged while crossing to the event.
Limitations on Content: This is a family-friendly event. No erotica, dark material, or violent content or sales. If you write romance novels with “open door” scenes, please monitor for underage viewing or purchase. No alcohol in food or beverages is allowed.
Space and Application Information:
- All spaces are 10’ by 10’.
- Vendors must supply canopies, tables, chairs, trash bags or receptacles, and display items.
- Vendors must clear all trash and waste after the event as part of the tear-down process. There are dumpsters at the back of the site, but no individual trash cans. Please be prepared for your guests.
- All spaces are outside the main building on the asphalt or concrete areas.
- Indoor space (inside Russo’s or in the courtyard) is not available.
- Application link can be requested by email to wokwritersrow@gmail.com
- If approved, a reply notification and payment link will be supplied. Your space will not be confirmed until space donation is made.
- You may choose to share your space with another author or vendor, but each seller must pay a space donation.
- Numbers of sellers who can share a space are limited and indicated below.
- You may choose to bring one friend or family member over the age of 18 who is not a separate vendor or is not selling different items to cover for you or assist at your table.
- Space donation is:
- WOK member, prior participant, $20 per author, limit 2 authors per space
- WOK member, new participant, $25 per author, limit 2 authors per space
- CWC member, $35 per author, limit 2 authors per space
- New Vendor, $40 per vendor, limit 2 vendors per space
- Food or beverage vendor, $50 per vendor, limit 1 vendor per space
General Information:
- No refunds. No exceptions. Event will be held “rain or shine.”
- Electrical outlets and internet access are not available.
- Authors may ask Russo’s to handle book transactions only. If you would like your book sales to go through Russo’s, you need to bring your books to the store on the morning of the event.
- Bathrooms are available to vendors only.
- We cannot guarantee food or beverage vendors. Consider bringing your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
- There is limited nearby fast-food (probably best to drive or walk.) Vendors with food carts OR lunch drop to the event may be available (information to follow.)
- All minors (anyone under the age of 18) must be supervised by an adult at all times and in all spaces on the premises.
- No dogs are permitted.
- Limited ADA parking for vendors may be available. Inquire before making application.
- Vendors must take their own payments. Bring change for cash sales.
- Vendors are responsible for collecting and paying any sales or other tax.
- We will do our best to promote author and vendor participation on our social media sites. Vendors are responsible for providing for our consideration usable thumbnail images, biographies, descriptions of items being sold, or other information, if requested, in a timely manner.
If you have questions, please email
Lisa-Behrens Smith, Events Coordinator, Writers of Kern, at
wokwritersrow@gmail.com
If you wish to apply, please complete the online application at
https://forms.gle/U2Gbvd1NoyBc2Ahy5