Attendees at this year’s National Book Festival certainly heard the protests as the crowd marched by a mere two blocks away and helicopters circled overhead. They certainly saw the protestors, a number of who broke away from the anti-war events to hear from many of the country’s notable authors. But the festival still seemed worlds apart from the other big event less than a mile away.

Despite a full slate of weekend events and off-and-on drizzle, there were still quite a few people who made it out. The periodic drizzle didn’t deter attendees from waiting in often-lengthy lines to secure the signature of their favorite author. Also popular were the numerous PBS Kids characters hugging, giving high fives and posing for pictures with young kids (and their parents). Clifford the Big Red Dog, Arthur and Cookie Monster all emerged from their tent to rock star receptions. And historian David McCullough drew quite a large crowd of onlookers for a C-SPAN interview outside the history and biography tent.

Unfortunately, the rumored Tom Wolfe/John Irving throw-down never did emerge, but DCist did note that the festival organizers didn’t take any chances, scheduling the two authors for signings at different times.

So, readers, what was your favorite experience at this year’s book festival?

More pictures from the festival after the jump.