Wallowa County weather is getting to the point where curling up in front of a fire and reading a book is a good plan.

In that vein, Fishtrap has announced its selection for the annual “Big Read” event in February and March 2019.

“A Wizard of Earthsea,” Ursula K. Le Guin’s classic novel will be the focus for the event.

“For our Kickoff, filmmaker Arwen Curry will visit Wallowa County to screen her new documentary, ‘Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin’ and share her experiences in making the film,” said Fishtrap Executive Director Shannon McNerney.

The Big Read continues with six weeks of programming featuring special events, school visits and book clubs. Fishtrap will distribute hundreds of free books to libraries and classrooms across Wallowa and Union counties.

The selection is in keeping with Fishtrap’s plan to celebrate a “year of Ursula.”

For more than 20 years, Ursula was an influential part of Fishtrap — from teaching Summer Fishtrap workshops to presenting at Winter Fishtrap and serving as an adviser,” McNerney said. “We will miss her wisdom, her guidance and her voice.

Each of the organization’s programs will pay tribute in some way to the works, ideals and legacy of Le Guin.

Fishtrap has also announced the return of Fishtrap College. During January, February and March 2019, Wallowa County juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to earn four college credits through Eastern Oregon University’s Eastern Promise program.

“I’m really excited for this partnership with EOU,” said Fishtrap’s Youth Program Manager Camron Scott. Registration is open now and class size is limited.

Writing 131 (Creative Writing) will be offered Friday mornings at Fishtrap in Enterprise and taught by Amy Zahm.

A Wallowa County native, Amy holds master’s degree in creative writing through Eastern Oregon University and is a published author. Tuition is $240. Check for scholarship opportunities through Wallowa County school districts.

Fishtrap has also announced its selection of a theme for Winter Fishtrap, “The Meaning of Refuge” Jan. 18–20, 2019.

Winter Fishtrap is a three-day conference that gathers diverse voices to inspire a greater understanding on a timely theme. This year, the weekend opens with an HCN Live Magazine discussion led by Brian Calvert, Editor-in-Chief of High Country News, joined by members of the editorial staff.

The weekend continues with lectures, panel discussions and break-out sessions to help reveal what “The Meaning of Refuge” means to our environment, our communities and to us as individuals. Registration opens Dec. 1.

Summer Fishtrap: “Steering the Craft”

The theme for this year’s Summer Fishtrap Gathering of Writers is borrowed from Le Guin’s much-loved book on writing. Her friend and award winning novelist, Molly Gloss, will give the keynote address.

The event will change venues moving to the historic Wallowa Lake Lodge. The location is in close proximity to the lake, hiking trails, camping sites at the State Park and local attractions. Participants will have full access to the outdoor deck, lawn and 24-hour access to the lobby, and rooms and cabins will be available to reserve for the week.

The event, with the theme “Steering the Craft,” is July 8–14, 2019.