826Fest: A Day of Stories, Surprises, and Celebration
826Fest brought us an abundance of surprises that made the day unforgettable. We indulged in mouthwatering tacos from Homestate, savored refreshing drinks, and handed out free school supplies and backpacks, courtesy of our generous partners at Universal Studios. The excitement didn’t stop there—highly-coveted raffle prizes kept everyone on the edge of their seats, and the stories shared will keep us reminiscing for the next 20 years!
The festival’s highlight was an in-conversation event with comedian and author Jordan Morris and the multi-talented Brea Grant, who is known for her work as an actress, director, and author. They captivated the audience with their insights, followed by a lively book signing session. Throughout the day, 826LA students, staff, and community members took to the stage, bravely sharing their creative work during an open mic session. Their performances filled the room with joy, laughter, and thunderous applause.
Adding to the festival’s unique atmosphere, mindfulness moments were sprinkled throughout, as attendees took a moment to reflect on what they were grateful for and engaged their senses with the sights, smells, tastes, sounds, and feelings in the space. Students entertained us with poems about their favorite sentient foods, while staff members offered inspiring accounts of their professional journeys at 826LA and their relationship with writing.
The day culminated in the much-anticipated raffle prize announcements. While a few lucky students seemed to have an uncanny knack for winning, the real victory was in the shared experience. Between the warm camaraderie over a shared love of literature, the free goodies and food that brought smiles to everyone’s faces, and the invaluable writing advice from accomplished authors, everyone left 826Fest feeling like a winner!
