For all writers who love writing genre fiction! Our intention is to bring to our corner of Appalachia an amazing conference with writing craft, marketing, and agents and editors! This conference is specifically for all kinds genre writers in any stage of their writing career. We have workshops, panels, a cocktail party with light refreshments and a cash bar on Saturday night to get to know each other, and the opportunity to pitch to an agent and editor. After the conference, all in-person attendees will get the audio recordings for free.

The Vandalia Gathering brings together the finest traditional Appalachian musicians for a weekend of great picking. Elder statesmen and young upstarts perform on stage, compete in contests and play in impromptu jam sessions all over the Capitol Complex. Visitors to the Gathering can enjoy fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitar contests outside during the day, and concerts in the State Theater in the evenings. Keep your ears open!