The International Edible Book Festival is taking place at the Hays Public Library on April 4, 2009. Local lovers of art, books and food are combining their talents to compete for prizes and bragging rights. The edible books will be exhibited, documented and then consumed throughout the day.

The work of art must address or identify with a book as either the shape or the content. Other than that, the only limitations are the imagination of the inventors. Entries can be submitted from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 3, and 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 4. The public viewing will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The public will be allowed to help eat the entries after the judging concludes. There are two awards given in both the adult and youth categories. Those awards include the Eye Candy Award and the Taster’s Choice Award. Both awards are accompanied with a Amazon gift certificate for both age brackets.

Eric Norris at the Hays Public Library states, “We are really hoping for a great turnout. Each year we see a larger number of people getting involved and a lot of really creative entries.” The website, www.books2eat.com, can assist anyone that wants a better understanding of the event. Norris also states, “It really is amazing what people come up with and how they interpret what a “book” is.” This annual event puts new meaning to the old saying eating your words.