Authors running the gamut from adult romance authors to zany mystery writers are gathering today as Manteca celebrates writing at the 2016 Great Valley Bookfest.
It takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. near Bass Pro Shops at The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley at the 120 Bypass and Union Road.
The bookfest is designed to allow visitors to talk one-on-one in Author Alley with nearly 80 authors as well as buy their books if they wish. There are eight stages where authors will be making presentations including one where cookbook authors and other food aficionados while provide cooking demonstrations. One stage is devoted to children’s books, one to writing advice, one to poetry and the rest to authors of various genres. The various presentations will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
 The free event starts at 10 a.m. with a parade for children of all ages to fall in line — in costume or not — and join mascots and favorite characters following a marching band through Author’s Alley and into the festival.
The event will include a used book sale by the Friends of the Manteca Library as well as the Cal Crush Clydesdales and sidewalk art by Art Start.
There is also the Great Valley Bookfest Seek ‘n Stamp Scavenger Hunt where you can possibly win a Samsung Galaxy 7″ Tab 4 NOOK by locating five portraits of famous authors scattered throughout the event area.  Volunteers will stamp game cards and verify that you discovered the portraits. You can pick your game card up at the Great Valley Bookfest Information Booth.