Athens Storytelling Festival

From http://www.athensstorytellingfestival.com/ :

Imagine a crisp fall weekend...

spent listening to stories of adventure and excitement... a place where memories and magic are captured and spun into tales that make you laugh and cry.

Hear stories that tell of a time that used to be. Glimpse into the past and live the imaginary. Learn more about your parents, your children, yourself. Discover all this and more at the second annual Athens Storytelling Festival.

Stories will be told on the courthouse square in Athens, Alabama within close proximity of an eclectic mix of shops offering a wide variety of antiques, gifts, gourmet foods, clothing and hardware. The courthouse square boasts several warm and inviting restaurants, and food vendors will be present for good old-fashioned festival fare.

Click here for directions to the festival.

Visit tourathens.com for a sampling of area attractions. Click on the hotels-motels link in the menu bar at the bottom left for a complete listing of hotels in the area.

WHAT IS A STORYTELLING FESTIVAL?

Our community is being given the opportunity to participate in the oldest form of education. Students will be spellbound as they listen to five nationally renowned storytellers who will demonstrate the art of storytelling. Storytelling is traditional, creative, educational, cultural, personal, and therapeutic. The stories told will seem spontaneous, but not without hours of coaching and practice-the storytellers will captivate their audience by using eye contact, their voices, movement, and expressions to bring their stories to life in the listeners' minds and hearts.

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING A STORYTELLING EVENT:

• Auditory processing skills and listening skills are supported and practiced
• Visualization skills are expanded as children form pictures in their minds
• Memories are enhanced, attention spans are stretched, and emotions are engaged
• Characters, events, and settings are brought to life
• Promotes an interest in literature and the appreciation of classic tales
• Demonstrates the power of words and clear communication
• Develops appreciation for family stories and their personal heritage
• May inspire some to become storytellers
• Creates a great class memory

Websites to use in preparing students for the storytellers:

http://www.planetesme.com/storytelling.html
http://www.storyarts.org
http://www.storyteller.net

For More Information Contact:
Wayne Kuykendall
Festival Coordinator
256-232-0400
E-mail: info@athensstorytellingfestival.com