The big rectangular tent rises over Marion Street in the shadow of the Limestone County Courthouse announcing the arrival of the 10TH Annual Athens Storytelling Festival to Athens, Alabama. Soon throngs of school children from North Alabama will descend on the community during the day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for laughs – and unbeknownst to them learning. The family friendly fun happens in the evening when world renowned storytellers take the stage under the big tent.
Returning this year are Donald Davis, Andy Offut Irwin, Michael Reno Harrell and Dolores Hydock. The new kids under the tent will be Three on a String – hot on the heels of sell out performances in Birmingham-- will offer a mix of vaudevillian fun. The stories of each of these tellers are peppered with personal experience, imagination, and a good laugh. Tuesday night October 18th offers a chance to step under the big tent for $5.00 to experience the 5th Annual Dan William’s Local Teller Night (aka Amateur Night) starting at 7:00 p.m. The winner of the Local Teller Night will return with professionals on Thursday night October 20th starting at 7:30 p.m. for the Tellers’ Olio – a sampling of what you’ll enjoy the rest of the festival. Friday October 21st and Saturday October 22nd kicks off at 9:00 a.m. with a schedule of tellers to keep you laughing, sobbing, and entertained into the evening.
