Every March 20th, the students and faculty of Lake Superior State venture out into the open northern-Michigan air for the first time in months, and meet at the quad for a quaint little bit of effigy burning. “Snowman Burning Day” represents the opportunity to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring. The annual celebration arose from European festivals that date back to medieval times, where townspeople burned the Böögg, or boogeyman–and, these days, who among us doesn’t feel like setting fire to a boogeyman and starting fresh?
On Monday, March 20, Essay Fiesta will rise from its winter slumbers and spark some literary fire (i.e., great readings and performances from talented writers; not, like, book burning). Come on down to The Book Cellar at 7pm. Hosts Karen Shimmin and Willy Nast will be basking in the literary glow of our lineup:
- Ju Jitsu-er and Storyteller Natasha Tsoutsouris
- Postloudness co-founder Cher Vincent
- Here, Chicago Artistic Director Janna Sobel
- Writer Molly Rafferty
- Storyteller and former Young Chicago Authors board prez Debbi Welch
- Future Art Therapist and Essay Fiesta Superfan Rachael Kossy
As always, we’ll be collecting donations for the fiery folks at 826CHI, so bring them some cash.
Essay Fiesta 