During the first three and one half years that I have lived in Fairfield Bay (I’m Stas’), I’ve heard over and over, “What we need here is an event, you know, something that will draw people to Fairfield Bay.” Well, now there is just such an event planned!
The Community Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fairfield Bay are sponsoring the First Fairfield Bay Story Fest featuring four of America’s best storytellers on April 24, 2010. Each of the four storytellers will also be performing twice at one of our four local schools on Friday, April 23rd.
Yes, I know, I know. So many people think stories are just for children. Not True! Stories are for everyone. And there are storytelling festivals throughout the country that draw as many as twelve thousand people. This storytelling event can be a way to introduce people to Fairfield Bay, and the many reasons so many of us love it here. Of course, a new festival won’t draw as many attendees as an established event, but it is a way to start. The way to build an event is to support it, help to make it as good as it can be by attending the Story Fest, being a volunteer, and maybe even renting a vendor booth space.
The four tellers will be Connie Regan-Blake, Elizabeth Ellis, Jon Spelman, and Jim May.
Connie Regan-Blake is one of America’s most celebrated storytellers. She has captivated the hearts and imaginations of people around the globe with her powerful performances and workshops. Entertaining audiences in 47 states and 16 countries, she brings the wisdom, humor and drama of stories to main stage concert halls, libraries and into the corporate world.
Elizabeth Ellis is a versatile and riveting teller of Appalachian and Texas tales and stories of heroic American women, though her personal stories are arguable her best. She has captivated over 250,000 children and countless adults at schools, universities and festivals in her 25-year career as a storyteller.
Jon Spelman, a professional storyteller since 1980, performs almost anywhere: including theatres, schools, art centers, living rooms, board rooms, museums and libraries. This is Jon’s second visit to Fairfield Bay. Jon entertained students at Shirley and Westside Elementary schools in 2008, and was the featured entertainer at the third annual Stas’ Productions Halloween Costume Party.
Jim May’s stories have taken him across the United States and Europe. He has told stories at schools, corporations, professional groups, and festivals across the land. Jim is a storyteller who speaks in the natural, matter-of-fact style of the fathers, horse traders, and small-town raconteurs who populated rural McHenry County, Illinois where his family has lived since the 1840’s.
Additional information about each one of these storytellers is easily available on the internet. Just Google their names!
The First Fairfield Bay Story Fest will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost for the entire day is $12 for adults 16 and over; $5 for children 10 to 15; $1 for children under 10! For more information and details, call Robbie Ingle at the Chamber of Commerce, 501-884-3324 or Stas’ Ziolkowski at 501-253-4656. Advance tickets may be purchased with a credit card by calling Stacy Goff at 501-884-6010
