If you want to feel like you are back at the Scholastic Book Fair with a new adult twist, then Red Stick Reads and Mid City Beer Garden have you covered.
Red Stick Reads co-owner James Hyfield explained that this was exactly what he was going for with the Boozy Book Fair on Thursday, Oct. 23. Ever since he and his wife Tere first held the book fair with Barracuda Taco Stand back in 2023, each one has been a smash hit.
“The amount of turnout we had on that first one was so much that we pretty much had to include it in our business model as, like, part of the ‘thing,’” Hyfield said. “It’s, like, too successful and too cool to not do it.”
While the restaurant operated as normal (albeit insanely busy), rows of tables had been set up in the center, filled to the brim with horror and thriller books. Everything from the classics of Mary Shelly and Stephen King to more modern popular authors is yours for the taking.
For those who are not as interested in reading, right after the book sections, customers could help themselves to custom tarot cards, as well as a wide variety of cutesy Halloween stickers and bookmarks. They also had locally made earrings and plushies on display for anyone to purchase.
The event is not just for the customers. Local author and self-proclaimed introvert Emma C. Wells said she appreciates the more laid-back vibe of it. Her debut novel “This Girl’s A Killer” has been making waves on many bestsellers lists, leading to her having to do many signing events.
“I’ve done quite a few, but this type of event is my favorite, where it is everybody just vibing and shopping,” Wells said. “And I could just sign books if they want them, but I don’t have to if they don’t want to.”
With how much everyone enjoys these events, as well as how successful it has been for both Hyfield and the hosts, they would love to host a book fair more often. Hyfield said the company’s only concern is about oversaturating the idea or overwhelming the restaurant employees.
“Our goal is for us to sell over half of the books we brought and to kick the ass of the bar. Like, we hope that the next time they’re like, ‘We’ll add another bartender,’” Hyfield said. “Our goal at the end of the night is for the bar to be like, ‘That’s the busiest we’ve ever been.’”
It is not all about the business and money for Hyfield. He believes that the connections people make through these events, as well as the good times to be had, make it all worth it.
“Obviously there’s money attached to it. There’s a reason you do it. But at the same time, it’s just fun,” Hyfield said.
To join in on the next Boozy Book Fair, keep up to date on the Red Stick Reads calendar on the Red Stick Reads website or their social media.
