News Release
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Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778
As summer begins to wind down and we move into the month of September, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area begins a week of storytelling. Storytelling has always been an important part of the Big South Fork community. What started as a small program for local schools 31 years ago has turned into a weeklong event with storytellers from around the world.
The first event planned is the 13th annual Blue Heron Ghost Mine on Saturday, September 9, 2023.
This free event will begin at 6:00 PM (ET) with Junior Ranger activities and living history demonstrations. Music will be provided by David Howard beginning at 7:00 PM. At 8:00, four local storytellers will spin spooky tales under the shadow of the historic coal tipple.
The storytelling continues throughout the week as professional storytellers visit local schools. The Big South Fork hires professional storytellers to perform for many of the local schools surrounding the Big South Fork to give children a glimpse of traditional storytelling. This is all made available to the schools at no cost.
The culmination of storytelling events is the 31st annual Storytelling Festival on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Start the day with a Bird Walk led by Dr. Nicholson starting at 8:00 AM at the Bandy Creek Pool parking lot and then join one of the Dulcimer or Flute circles at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center Complex. Gather under the big tent in the afternoon to watch the professionals apply their skills in storytelling sessions that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They tell stories of ancient legends and mystical places to entertain all who may listen. In the evening, under the cover of darkness, the storytellers begin their traditional ghost stories and spooky tales. This is not for the faint of heart. Many of the stories are based on just enough true facts to make you wonder if it could have really happened the way they relate it to the audience. The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is pleased to offer American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services by a nationally certified interpreter during this part of the event.
Bring a chair and enjoy a day of storytelling, live music, crafts, and demonstrations at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center & Campground. This event will start at 11:00 AM (ET) and conclude at 10:00 PM.
Last updated: September 6, 2023