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BOOKWORMS, UNITE IN WASHINGTON LEARN THE AMERICAN INDIAN STORY

Top picks for out-of-town activities

Date published: 11/13/2008

By Peggy Carlson

Bookworms and avid readers won't want to miss the 31st annual Book Fair and Authors Night Nov. 18 at the National Press Club, 529 14th St. N.W. in Washington.

The event features more than 90 authors, including Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, veteran journalists Helen Thomas and Roger Mudd, Sen. Mel Martinez, Kerry Kennedy, wrestler Bret Hart, Rep. Barbara Lee, William Back, Russell Baker, Jim Wooten, James Reston Jr., Eleanor Herman and many more. All authors will be present to sign their books. No outside books are permitted.

Cookbook authors will offer free tasting portions of their favorite recipes. There will also be a cash bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Books for this event are provided by Barnes & Noble Books. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Eric Friedheim National Journalism Library.

The event runs 5:30-8:30 p.m. Admission is $5 and the book fair is open to the public. For details, visit press.org or call 202/662-7595 or 202/662-7500.

November is Native American Heritage Month, and a great way to learn more and celebrate American Indian heritage is a trip to Richmond to the 18th annual Great American Indian Exposition Powwow and Show.

The powwow showcases American Indian dancers, singers, drummers, artists and crafts. More than 100 dancers in full regalia from all over the U.S. and Canada are expected to compete for more than $10,000 in prizes.

More than 100 tribes will be represented, including the Chippewa, Haliwa-Saponi, Piscataway, Chickahominy, Rappahannock, Cherokee, Sioux, Iroquois, Lumbee, Hopi, Seminole, Mataponi, Nansemond, Monacan, Choctaw, Navajo and others.

Culinary treats include buffalo stew, fried bread, Indian corn soup, buffalo burgers, Navajo tacos, Indian corn soup and other items.

The event also features arts and crafts vendors and demonstrators, with turquoise jewelry, moccasins, beadwork, rugs, books, paintings and more.

Children will be offered face painting, pony rides, bow and arrow shooting and tepee visitation.

The event will be held at The Showplace, 3000 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Richmond. Admission is $5.50-$7.50. Saturday hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m., with a grand entry at noon. Sunday hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For details call 252/257-5383 or 804/225-8877.

--Peggy Carlson

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Date published: 11/13/2008