News Release

The 33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival Schedule of Events Announced

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 16, 2025

Contact: Christopher Derman, [phone]

Oneida, Tennessee - Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 20, as the 33rd Annual Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival takes place from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (ET) at the Bandy Creek Visitor Center area of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.

What began more than 30 year ago as a small program for local schools has grown into a vibrant, day-long festival that draws audiences from near and far. The event now features storytellers from across the nation, alongside live music, and cultural demonstrations.

This year’s festival welcomes a lineup of storyteller performers who will bring stories to life in ways that entertain and inspire. Karin Amano shares Japanese folktales rooted in traditional song, dance, and theater. Norm Brecke combines humor, music, and folktales with a teacher’s touch. Tamara Green draws on African folklore, Southern history, and urban legends to connect with audiences of all ages. Anne Rutherford adds humor, tall tales, and ghost stories, blending laughter with a hint of mystery.

Admission to this annual special event is free, offering a full day of storytelling, live music, and demonstrations that showcase the region's cultural traditions. From family-friendly activities during the day to stories shared under the stars at night, the festival truly offers something for everyone.

For additional information on this special event as well as other events, call [phone], or visit online at: https://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/storytelling.htm.
 

Time (Eastern Time)	Activity	Organization/Performer
8:00 - 9:00 AM	Guided Bird Walk	Dr. Charles Nicholas
10:00 AM	Dulcimer Workshop Class	Workshop Class
11:00 AM	Dulcimer Workshop Class	Workshop Class
12:00 PM	Dulcimer Workshop Class	Workshop Class
10:00 - 6:00 PM	Old Timey Toys	Park Staff
10:00 - 7:00 PM	Craft Vendors	A Variety of Local Businesses
10:00 - 5:00 PM	Demonstrators/ Exhibits	Various Organizations
10:00 - 4:00 PM	Music	Smokey Mountain Flute Circle
11:00 AM	Storytelling	Anne Rutherford
11:30 AM	Storytelling	Karin Amano
12:00 PM	Storytelling	Norm Brecke
12:30 PM	Storytelling	Tamara green
1:00 - 2:00 PM	INTERMISSION
2:00 PM	Storytelling	Anne Rutherford
2:45 PM	Storytelling	Karin Amano
3:30 PM	Storytelling	Norm Brecke
4:15 PM	Storytelling	Tamara Green
5:00 PM	INTERMISSION
6:00 PM	Musical Entertainment	Crazy Chester
7:00 PM	Musical Entertainment	Gerald Hanright
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM	Haunting in the Hills Tales	Featured Storytellers

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