By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
parts of autumn in Athens. In addition, the ‘tellers have made it very clear that Athens is one of their favorite places to tell. The reason is because of the way we have loved them and made them part of our tribe. It has become a grand family reunion for us all. This year the ‘tellers are from among the OGs from the first festival held in 2006: Donald Davis, Carmen Deedy, Bil Lepp, and Andy Offutt Irwin.
Recently, I spoke with Leah Oakley, who is the president of the Athens Storytelling Festival Board. She happens to be a teller herself, having personally studied under the tutelage of veteran teller Donald Davis. Leah is one of many people who works tirelessly to give “kids of all ages” the opportunity to experience expert delivery of “tales, tunes, and tons of fun.” The festival will be held in the Big Tent once more on the Athens State University Campus. There are free events in addition to “School Days,” which is the opportunity for local students (whether public, private, or homeschooled) to attend special sessions designed just for them. Once again, our local legislators have made it possible for students to attend at no charge. We are the only city in the nation that does this, and we thank our representatives and local sponsors who make it possible for kids to imbibe important life lessons that are “the spoonful of sugar that makes the medicine go down.” All four of the tellers will participate in School Days
Here is the schedule:
Tuesday, October 16 at 5:30 p.m.
Student ‘Teller Competition to be held at Athens-Limestone Public Library. The winners will be able to compete for a chance to tell at the Thursday, October 23rd session to be held in the big tent. There will be one winner selected from the following grade levels: 3rd and 4th, 5th and 6th, 7th and 8th, and then 9th-12th.
Monday, Oct 20 from 5-7:30 p.m.
Donald Davis will be presenting “The Full Story: Inspiring Learning Through Storytelling.” Dinner will be served in Sandridge Hall from 5 -6 p.m., and those reservations are now closed. However, the workshop that will be held in McCandless Hall is free and open to the public. Mr. Davis is especially hoping that
education majors will attend. It will be well worth your time to learn about the power of story from the master himself.
Tuesday-Thursday, October 21 – October 23
School Days — Kids from throughout Limestone County will attend all three days, and I can say from experience that this is my favorite event. To watch students actually be engaged with something other than a smartphone is refreshing, and watching them laugh through listening and imagining is delightful. Donald Davis, Carmen Deedy, Bil Lepp and Andy Offutt Irwin will be the ‘tellers for School Days
Tuesday Night, October 21 – 6:00 p.m.
Student ‘Teller Showcase is the opportunity for the young ‘tellers to trot out their talent under the Big Tent. Everyone is invited, and admission is free. Winners get to tell at the opening event on Thursday pm.
Thursday Night 7:30 p.m.
The Olio, which can mean either a delicious, spicy stew or a miscellaneous collection of things, is the night in which all of the tellers give a “sampling of their wares,” in preparation for the Friday and Saturday events. The winners of the student competition will also tell their stories.
Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
The festival in full swing! At 9:15 p.m. on Friday night, you can attend the Ghost Walk, which will be conducted around the Athens State University campus. Ticket holders are free, all others are $10. Athens State students will be dressed in character. This is NOT the same event as Tourism’s Haunts Walk or the Cemetery Stroll.
There will be food trucks, and Café 1822 will be open. Of course, wonderful restaurants abound in Athens and are within walking distance of the Big Tent.
In addition, Tim Lowrey will be performing his stellar one-man performance of Dickens’s Christmas Carol on December 14, at Athens State, and be on the lookout for the Sundown Stories Series to be held several times this year.
There you have it, ladies and gentlemen! The 2025 Athens Storytelling Festival is almost here, and info as well as ticket purchases are at athensstorytellingfestival.com. See you there!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
