Meet Captain Sanders.

No, not “Colonel” Sanders – that’s an entirely different genre of character. This is “Captain” Sanders – or, as he prefers to go by, “Blackbead” the poetry-writing Pirate (AKA Steve Sanders from Fort Worth).

Sanders, as well as nearly 40 other fun, interesting and colorful authors, were the main attraction at the recent Winnsboro Festival of Books.

According to Winnsboro Center for the Arts organizers, the Festival of Books is in its 7th year.

The festival is put on as a fun community event, where interested parties can come and meet authors from all across Texas, buy their books and participate in all sorts of activities.

With its wide array of genres, ranging from children’s literature to poetry, nonfiction, fantasy, Christian literature and more, the festival of books yearly attracts award-winning authors and characters like Sanders and many more.

The lineup for the two-day festival included an appearance from the popular children’s character Rainbow Fish, live poetry recitations, open mic readings, a “dynamic storytelling event” with drums, outdoor/hands-on activities, book signings, etc. 

While Friday was mostly filled by a meet-and-greet, Saturday featured a full roster for children’s activities as well as many activities for adults.

In fact, organizers say that the 2025 festival was the biggest yet.

“It’s getting bigger and bigger every year,” said local author A.J. Chilson, who writes sports books for children. “There is more and more interest in the writing community here in Winnsboro.”

Even aside from gaining exposure and selling their books, authors think the Winnsboro Festival of Books is a good time, too.

“I love it! It’s a great event,” said Chilson. “I mean, I love seeing (that) the public is interested, and parents bringing their kids. You know, it’s a very fun (event).”

So why put in all the effort and time to hold a free literary event?

“I just think it’s just another facet of the arts; they’re looking at, you know, the performing arts, and the visual arts, the literary arts. I think it’s just another facet of that, that they just wanted to try to make sure they’re reaching,” said Tona Blizzard, the chair of the WCA Festival of Books committee.

In other words, it’s like the WCA’s Festival of Books mission states: “(Our mission is) to bring readers and writers together to share in a myriad of adventures that books offer as they expand knowledge and delight all ages.”