The overall mission of the festival is to "foster the fine art of letter writing," a motif common to the works of Jane Austen.

In addition to discussion, readings, parties, music, film and other activities, the festival will consist of two major competitions for which prizes will be awarded. One will be the judging of gentlemen in a Mr. Darcy contest. The other, a "perfect love letter writing contest" in which entrants will submit in legible longhand a 200 word letter on the topic of love. There will be staged readings of the winning letters.

Jane Austen era costumes are requested of artisans and festival goers alike!

The festival organizers and co-founders consist of Kerri Blache, Bill and Sally Reeves, Danna Acker, Richard Boyd, Frank Stansbury, Tracy Blair, Gina Ferrara, Julie Egle and Shirley Patron.

The core group of organizers will become the founding members of the non-profit Old Mandeville Jane Austen Festival Inc. that is currently in the process of obtaining non-profit status by the state.

As a Patron, you can help the Old Mandeville Jane Austen Festival with their mission to foster the fine art of letter writing. Your support will help with future plans of letter writing workshops, dramatic readings of Austen's works, demonstrations of arts, crafts, dance and culture of her day!

If you are interested in finding out more, click here for more information.