Polk Place served as the focal point for the festival. Here 36 exhibitors braved the Saturday dampness and were rewarded with a spectacular spring day Sunday. These photos capture the ambiance of the outdoor aspects of this first festival.



Exhibitors' booths on Polk Place.




Mary Pope Osborne signs a book for a young reader at the Children's Signing Tent on Polk Place.




The BB&T Mutual Funds Tent held many exhibitors for the weekend. Brightly colored tents added a special festive element to the celebration.




University of North Carolina Press booth at the festival.




Exhibitors' tents on Polk Place during the North Carolina Literary Festival, April 3-5, 1998.