Wednesday afternoon was wet and damp, but under the tent at Market Square, presenters at the opening ceremonies of Le Salon du livre were full of energy.
The third annual Le salon du livre du Grand Sudbury, which takes place from May 8 to 11 at the downtown Market Square, is a celebration of French literature and culture.
Stéphane Gauthier, general and cultural director of the Carrefour francophone, said the fair is a collaboration born of tradition.
The book fair boasts 115 partners, including Collège Boréal, Laurentian University, Conseil scolaire catholique du Grand Nord de l'Ontario, La Slague du Carrefour francophone, Conseil scolaire publique du Grand Nord de l'Ontario and the City of Greater Sudbury.
The winner of Le prix de Pépin de Pomme, one of three literary prizes awarded during the book fair, was presented at the opening to Guylaine Tousignant. This award is given to an original, emerging author of the francophone Ontario community who has been published for the first time and displays remarkable talent and promise.
The 4-day event will include live music, art, readings, opportunities to meet authors, children's activities, an architectural tour of downtown, and more.
General and artistic director of Le salon du livre Miriam Cusson said this year's fair is more earth-friendly.
"I think we a very conscious at Le salon du livre that a large event in the downtown has an impact on the environment," Cusson said. "We do leave an environmental footprint which we're trying to reduce as much as we can and we're also aiming for our 2009 edition to be carbon-neutral."
After the opening speeches, attendees were encouraged to bike to a reading at the Art Gallery of Sudbury on John Street. Thirty bikes and helmets were on-hand for people to use.
Other green activities include a workshop with an expert in organic gardening, Serge Fortier and youth  author Juju will teach kids about photosynthesis taking care of plants.
For information and schedules, visit lesalondulivre.ca.
