282Tell Me a Story - a Tennessee Tradition

posted on October 27th, 2008

The Annual Story Telling Festival was held the first weekend of October in Jonesborough, TN. Each year at the Festival, gifted fablers from across the nation share their finest tales attracting thousands of story lovers. Huge circus-style tents are set up downtown, the atmosphere crackles with excitement, and an extraordinary three day weekend is assured.

The history of the Festival is quite a tale in itself. Many moons ago, local high school teacher Jimmy Neil Smith was listening to a yarn spun by Jerry Clower on the Grand Ole Opry. Inspired by the gifted story telling, Smith and several of his students created a format to preserve this traditional art form - a Festival. That first year, about 60 folks came to hear the presentations. This year, over 7000 visitors from far and near converged on the tiny hamlet of Jonesborough for the 36^th Annual Story Telling Festival - a weekend of wit, wisdom, laughter and awe-inspiring tales.

One festival attendee from Raleigh, NC, lawyer Leonard Jernigan, sat a spell and told of his experience at this year’s Festival.

“Fantastic - I was moved and touched by many of the presentations, and it made me think about experiences in my life. I laughed out loud many times and that was a wonderful experience, laughing with others and sharing the moment. The people listening were from all over the country and we all seemed to have a common bond. I’d look around the tent see hundreds of people sitting there, on a Friday or Saturday morning, listening intently to these fabulous speakers. There was a wonderful unity and contentment among all the people present. I know of no place in America, where that is likely to happen, and it happens every year at the Story Telling Festival.”

Jernigan and his family stayed in a mountain lodge at Sugar Hollow Retreat in Butler, TN, relaxing and enjoying the spectacular views and southern hospitality. Jernigan said Sugar Hollow was a perfect compliment to the festival being located near Jonesborough and offering comfortable, quiet lodging, perfect for recapping the festival’s hilarious anecdotes with friends and family.

Out of the twenty-two featured storytellers, who were a few of your favorites?

“Kathryn Windham - I loved her Southern charm at the ripe age of 90, her wisdom and her generosity of spirit, and her sense of humor. She is a lovely person who speaks with a true sense of unconditional love for all who listen.

Donald Davis - He told a fun filled story about driving with his family to Florida when he and his brother were kids, sliding on the plastic covered back seat, with no air conditioning and no radio. Lots of belly laughs with his story.”

Would Jernigan recommend this annual narrative trek to others?

“Absolutely. This festival is unique. It is America at its finest, and represents something that hits deep in the soul. It’s peaceful; it’s loving; it’s genuine. You can’t help but be moved by the whole experience.”

Well told, Mr. Jernigan, thank you.

Comments are closed.