By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
Over twenty years ago, four Athens couples headed out for a weekend of fall fun at a Storytelling Festival in Kentucky. They were Wayne and Allison Kuykendal, Jim and Carolyn Hays, Charlie and Joan Hughes, and Ray and Nancy Spears. Storytelling stole their hearts, and they thought, “Athens could do this!” With the help of veteran ‘teller Donald Davis, they set out to make the dream a reality. Twenty festivals later, including trying to do it online during COVID, The Athens Storytelling Festival has become an Athens favorite, and this year these four sets of pioneers will be honored for bringing such a treasured event to us year after year. Donald Davis has been here for all 20, and the ‘tellers will tell you that this is their favorite festival because we have made them family.
The ‘tellers ain’t bush league, either. Among them are music industry award winners, Emmy award winners, children’s book award winners, and more. I will tell you that I have laughed so hard at these events that I staggered down the street afterwards trying to regain my composure.
Recently, I sat down in a charming new coffee shop with Leah Oakley, who in 2024 became the president of the Athens Storytelling Festival. She happens to be a ‘teller herself, having personally studied under the tutelage of Donald Davis. Leah retired a few years ago as a bookkeeper for our public schools and is one of many people who works tirelessly to give “kids of all ages” the opportunity to hear the experts ply their craft. When we met, Leah had spent the day with kindergarteners in her Johnny Appleseed costume, complete with a pot on her head. She was tired but happy, having told the tale of Mr. Appleseed to the kiddos. One of them asked permission to tap the pot on Leah’s head and was absolutely delighted. We got down to the details of this special celebration.
The festival will be held once more on the Athens State University Campus, and there are free events in addition to “School Days,” the opportunity for local students (whether public, private, or homeschool) to attend special sessions designed just for them, and our local legislators have made it possible for them to do so at no charge. We are the only city in the nation that does this, and we thank our Alabama state representatives and local sponsors who make it possible for kids to hear life lessons that are laugh-out-loud funny.
The basic schedule of the week is as follows
Monday, Oct 19 at 5-7:30 p.m.
Once again Donald Davis will be presenting his most excellent workshop for educators entitled, “Story Power: Teaching That Sticks.” Dinner will be served in Sandridge Hall from 5-6 p.m. — however, the dinner reservations are now closed. However, the workshop that will be held in McCandless Hall is free and open to the public.
Tuesday-Thursday, October 20-October 22
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, Carol Cain, Bill Lep, Josh Goforth and Adam Booth will be the ‘tellers for School Days.
Tuesday Night-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.
Thursday Night 7:00 p.m. The Olio & Veterans Night, Featuring Carol Kane as Rosie the Riveter
The Olio, which in the food world means a highly spiced stew, or it can also mean 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. Veterans showing ID and one guest are admitted free.
Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. The 20th Athens Storytelling Festival is officially on!
The 20th Anniversary ‘Tellers
Donald Davis
Davis began to use stories to illustrate sermons in his 25-year career as a Methodist minister. He was also asked to begin performing at festivals and in other settings until he retired from the church to tell stories full time. Donald is one of the main reasons we have a festival and that it is so loved by all.
The author of eighteen books and more than forty original recordings, Davis is the recipient of both the Circle of Excellence and the Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Storytelling Network.
Josh Goforth
Josh is a musical prodigy as well as an outstanding ‘teller. He started playing in church at the age of four, plays ten instruments, and I have seen him do impossible things with a fiddle and bow.
Bil Lepp
Bil (and yes, that IS how he spells his name) is one of the old timers of the festival, and is a special favorite of the kids. Bil has also won several awards and travels most of the year telling stories all over our nation.
Carol Cain
Carol Cain is from a big family and a small town, which both give her plenty to talk about! For the past 30 years, she has brought “Rosie the Riveter” to life, and has performed on stage, radio, and television. Carol is also no stranger to museums, schools, churches, senior centers, and libraries throughout the Southeast.
Adam Booth
Adam specializes in Appalachian stories as well as classics that he retells. He is known for his animal sounds and has performed in places such as the Kennedy Center in NY, in Canada and Australia, as well as at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough.
December 12 Tim Lowry will once again perform Dickens’ Christmas Carol
There will be two performances of Tim Lowry’s presentation of the Christmas classic, one at 2 p.m. and one at 7 p.m. I have heard him manage to be all the characters, including Scrooge, and I don’t know how he does it. Highly recommended and will be in McCandless Hall.
The 20th Athens Storytelling Festival is almost here, so save the date and come celebrate! Info as well as ticket purchases are at athensstorytellingfestival.com. See you there!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
B
