Boozy Book Fair Brings Back the Magic of Childhood with a Grown-Up Twist
Home State Brewing Rekindles Childhood Joy and Community Spirit with Grown-Up Book Fair
Whether it’s the sense of magic from stepping into an author’s mind or following a page-turning story that sucks you in, there's something truly special about books. Each novel is a human soul etched on paper, imagining another mind or another world altogether.
No place quite captured the intrigue of reading like the “Scholastic Book Fair” of our youth. For most, it was a standout school day and an admired tradition. For a specific crowd, it was a count-the-days-on-your-calendar-until-its-back kind of event. Either way, the fair brings back fond memories and, if we push past a sense of nostalgia, it carries an aching desire to return to a simpler time.
While we can’t turn back the clock—though we wish we could—we can have another chance at the beloved book fair… with a twist. Accept it under a different name with a few new rules, and trust us—it’s even more fun this way.
Home State’s “Biggest Boozy Book Fair Ever” Blends Local Authors, Book Lovers and Brews
What started as a playful and nostalgic idea became a beloved gathering that bridges stories, sips and friendships.
On Saturday June 22nd readers and writers united for “The Biggest Boozy Book Fair Ever.” This event lived up to its name as community members eagerly swarmed the patio of Home State Brewing Co. for an evening of signing novels and sipping drinks.
Pushing through changing weather, volunteers and staff used outside screens to keep the books dry and the event well on track, proving that through rain or shine, our community cares.
Home State Brewing is no stranger to hosting others, in fact it's the backbone of this business. The three and a half year old business has been a catalyst for friendships and weddings. Event Coordinator Shannon Ball works with the marketing team to make these events shine as the go-to person to book a private or public event on property. She’s been with H.S.B. since the beginning and started the book fair tradition.
Her love of community and all things reading inspired Shannon to pitch the idea of an adult book fair at the brewery by partnering with local bookstores or authors, and
the rest is history.
Home State hosts Boozy Book Fairs every quarter of the year. Although the sponsors switch, the business has never strayed from keeping connection and community as its center.
“We serve more than just beer, we serve people… making sure they get the feeling of a comfortable, safe space here.” Shannon explained.
All Books, For Everybody
Sponsor Erin Decker, a co-owner of White Rose Books & More with Tanya Galananis, has a heart for connection and supporting local authors. Inspired to rebel against the banned book movement, both opened the shop in 2013 to create an environment where “all books are available for everybody.”
Years later, this book fair seems like a natural extension and spirits were high. “We love working with other small businesses and Home State [Brewing] has been so wonderful to us,” Decker said.
Turning Passions Into Careers
The event attracted four authors from across the state, including:
List of Services
- Andie Smith
List Item 1
Andie Smith is a graduate of West Orange High School and UCF who works in the Young Adult dystopian genre.
She says she had a blast at the event, expressing her excitement to greet “new readers that [she] maybe wouldn’t meet otherwise.”
- CM Leyva
List Item 2
CM Leyva, a debut author from Tampa, described the event as an amazing “opportunity to connect with readers, which for [her] is the best part of being an author.”
- Jennifer Chipman
List Item 4
Jennifer Chipman is a Horizon West resident and a self-published author working on her 12th novel.
She’s crafted a love of writing into book signings across- and even outside of -the United States, excitedly calling it “a great way to do what I love.”
- Katrina Mackrides
List Item 3
Katrina Mackrides, a Romance author from Oviedo, is no stranger to Boozy Book Fairs.
She calls it a “high traffic event” where you can meet “an eclectic mix of people”.
Advice for Local Aspiring Writers
Each author shared details about their unique journeys and were forthcoming with encouragement and advice for those who want to follow in their footsteps.
CM Leyva recently completed an eight year journey on her novel. “Have fun with it,” she advises. “Stay true to what you want to put on paper… and don't lose yourself in the process.”
As a literary agent and a freelance writer, Andie Smith is always willing to help authors. “As cliche as it sounds, write something down. The first draft is going to be bad. So, get it over with, get it out of your head, then go back and make it better.”
Katrina Mackrides takes inspiration from “lucid dreams,” which she recommends toying with. Her latest novel was inspired by a recurring dream in that state.
Jennifer Chipman has made writing her full-time job, and emphasized the importance of promotion. "It's definitely a lot of marketing," she said. “Instagram, TikTok, social media posts" really make a difference.
More Ways to Connect Are Always Brewing
You can expect the next Boozy Book Fair in the fall, but the events at Home State are far from over. Keep a lookout for…
- Monthly themed trivia nights — Held on the last Wednesday of the month
- Full Dose Fridays — A “house vibe” party that fills the patio with lasers, lights and lagers, hosted by Winter Garden’s
DJ Dose. You can visit this limited-time event on the last Friday of June and July from 8 to 11 p.m.
- Home State Run Club — Free meetups every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. for a free, 45-minute out-and-back run with social time afterward at the brewery.
For more information on upcoming events, visit Home State Brewing Co.'s website.
And to learn about other ways to find connection and friendship in Horizon West, check our Horizon West Magazine's Clubs, Groups & Organizations directory.
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