Jackson Storyfest

Programs: Held the first week in may,2015 the 28th anniversary celebration of jackson storyfest featured 22 storytellers presenting to over 12,500 adults, teens and children in 72 storytelling sessions (68 school sessions, 4 public concerts). In addition, 2 workshops had over thirty participants. The 22 storytellers told hundreds of stories over this festival year. Educators, students, parents,grandparents, volunteers, other storytellers, toddlers and a cross section of the community comprised our audiences. The evening performances found young and old alike, with many loyal supporters who return year after year. In the workshops, participants learned the serious business of regaining the ability to transcend serious business and reflecting on the lives of others as a potent model for shaping meaningful stories. Through the generous support of businesses, foundations, individuals, the jackson district library and the jackson county intermediate school district, these sessions are free of charge. Teachers trained in previous years with the kids tell program continued to use and teach storytelling in the classroom and students selected by their teachers and peers prepared videos which were posted on the jackson storyfest website (www. Jacksonstoryfest. Org). Four students were selected by public vote to present at the family matinee on saturday, may 2, 2015 along with featured tellers gemini. Our expanded preschool storytelling sessions allowed 595 preschoolers to attend a session on wednesday april 29th featuring mrs. Mother goose aka trudy bulkley or m&m aka maureen graham and marianne helms.