New Mexico State University’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management will host its second Edible Book Festival next month.
This year’s festival will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 9, during the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences’ Open House in Gerald Thomas Hall, 900 E. College Drive, on the Las Cruces campus.
The festival invites participants of all ages to create edible displays of their favorite books using food as a medium. It is similar to other events held worldwide as part of Edible Book Day. Registration is open at https://nmsu.news/Edible-Book-Festival through March 31.
HRTM held its first Edible Book Festival in 2021 in a hybrid format due to restrictions on in-person gatherings. But this year’s event will take place entirely in person.
“We’re looking forward to another chapter of the Edible Book Festival and welcoming community members to participate and attend,” said Liz Vega, who teaches HRTM’s meetings, conferences and special events course. “Anyone can contribute to this event; whether you’re a student, faculty or a culinary-inclined community member, we hope to see your favorite literary depiction in edible form.”
Vega and her students are organizing this year’s festival.
Participants must set up entries starting at 8 a.m. April 9 in 100 West Café, HRTM’s student-operated restaurant in Gerald Thomas Hall. Each entry should depict a literary work (fiction or nonfiction) or a literary character. Puns on entry titles are encouraged. Entries must also be edible for the safety of the judges who will be tasting.
HRTM will give awards in the following categories: best depiction of a classic; funniest or “punniest;” most visually appealing; best collaborative creation (team entry); most appetizing; and people’s choice. Votes for the latter award can be cast in person during the open house from 9 to 11 a.m. or via HRTM’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Prizes include Visa gift cards, gift baskets from local businesses, and baking necessities and supplies. An award ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m.
For more information or to donate prizes, contact Vega at vegaliz@nmsu.edu.
In addition to the Edible Book Festival, the ACES Open House will feature a variety of hands-on activities, demonstrations and displays, including wine tasting in the HRTM Bobby Lee Lawrence Academy of Wine.