By By ERICA FACER, News Messenger

Saturday kicked off the first full day of Girlfriend Weekend Events in Marshall. Vendors wore tiaras to blend in with the crowd as they sold their glittering wares at tables set up on the first floor of The Marshall. Beauty products, art, jewelry and of course, books were available for purchase at this year's event.

Pulpwood Queen founder Kathy Patrick and Phil Latham, The Marshall News Messenger editor and publisher, kicked off the day at 9:30 a.m. with opening remarks before members settled in to a full day of author sessions.

Nine sessions were held throughout the day, with groups of authors speaking about their works under such topic headings as "Authors Who Should be New York Times Bestsellers or ARE!" and "The Cowboy Way of Life, Authors who have made their Home on the Range!"