No, Sarnia BookFest is a FREE entry, all-ages event!

Sarnia BookFest is an independently organized, not-for-profit, volunteer-run, annual celebration of all things books, the joys of reading, learning, and community growth. We will have approximately 30 different vendors, stocking everything from traditionally published popular books to local independent authors with unique and diverse tales, puzzles, education-focused games, ‘bookish’ apparel, and book-related merch! All in support of local charity.

Sarnia BookFest will take place on Saturday September 19th, 2026, from 10 am - 4 pm.

Sarnia BookFest will be held at DeGroot's Nurseries, located at 1840 London Line in Sarnia.

Sarnia BookFest was founded by Sarnia-born Professional Engineer turned stay-at-home mom and indie author Jessica Genovy. A longtime vision, BookFest brings together her love of stories, learning, and community with the project management skills she developed during nearly a decade in the petrochemical industry. Passionate about supporting her community, Jessica became deeply motivated to help improve medical care and infrastructure in her hometown after losing her father to cancer in 2024. Through BookFest, she is able to unite her love of event planning with her commitment to promoting reading, literacy, and STEM while raising funds for a meaningful cause. Jessica will be at the event selling her books, answering questions, and reading during storytime.

No. Sarnia BookFest is a third-party organizer. Our event is in support of Bluewater Health Foundation, and DeGroot’s Nurseries was kind enough to allow us to rent space to host it.

We want to help strengthen our community by enhancing the facilities that care for us. Our community’s health shapes how we grow, create, and thrive. Better care builds a better future for everyone.

Money will primarily be raised through 50/50 ticket sales, the basket raffle, the blind date with a book table, donation matching on the day of, and sponsorships. Vendor table fees are being used to cover the cost of running the event, including: rental fees, insurance, materials, and supplies. Any remaining funds from table fees will be donated to Bluewater Health Foundation. Sarnia BookFest is a not-for-profit event where all planning, organization, set-up, clean-up, communication, social media, website design and hosting, promotion, and all other aspects of the event and execution are completely volunteer-based.