Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, My Hometown

It is story time again in Jonesborough, Tennessee, where the International Center for Storytelling is sponsoring their 43rd festival. This is a grand celebration of stories told by amazing tellers from all over the world. Hope you will able to catch the storytelling bug at this festival or in the future.

Each year, over 10,000 people sit in colorful circus tents throughout this tiny town to be memorized by a story told. Some of the amazing tellers are Donald Davis who grew up in the Appalachian Mountains and shares his personal stories of growing up with his humorous family.

Another is Jay O’Callaghan who personalizes stories of important historical events. He is able to keep his audience on the edge of their seats for over an hour with one story. Wow, now that is a talented storyteller!

In tandem Eth-Noh-Tec perform ancient Asian folktales using movement, music, and the spoken word as they demonstrate kinetic storytelling at its finest.

Each year I am invigorated by the power of stories told and the diverse stories shared. It reminds me again what a wonderful gift it is for young children when we share a store with them. Learn a story and pass it on!

The festival runs from Oct. 2-4 and website is www.storytellingcenter.net.