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Show 2 DAILY Storytelling HERALD Tales Continued from C1 Continued from C1 ber of who have volunteered time and talents to keep Which is not to saythat the festival guing since iés in ception, said that city planners had long-term ambitions for the festival everr before it outgrew Low said that arrangements have been made to project each performer on @ ;,jant screen. As Acerson said, “It's wor- very scholarly,” he said. “We the BeehiveState, or telling tall tales out of American the Ashton home. Instead of just b wing tellers up on the Shell st»ze, however, ‘Sharp is no stranger to show business. But he said that what led him to storytelling was extensive reading. “ wife and I both tend to be derful even if you close your eyes and listen. But it's so much more; letf-youcansee the storytelle s’ gestures and expression.” And, of course, the tellers study a lot and read lot. There's a tendency fer us to amass lot of ound.” The result of all of that The notion of Mt. Timpanogos Park(initially given the morecolorless name Canyon themselves will have a few new tricksin their bags, along with some of the old favorites. Park), was already in place by the festival's third year. “I've been on different committees to plan that park since 1992,” said Low. Completed at a cost of storytelling. “I have a story I = that I've performed else- $2.8 million, the park covers 44 where with mybrother, who's an actor.” Atthe festival — extroverts, take note — he's hoping to replace the brother with a member of the audience. riverfront acres and includes a spacious bowery, 10 picnic sites andsix restrooms. Given the festival's rapid rate of growth — the 2004 festival drew morethan 30,000attendees just background music, said, “was that | started téll- stories.” Just like that, the Glaston- — its removal to new stomping grounds could not have come at a better time. Get involved If you're the type who enjoys entirely lending a hand,then be advised that the festival, just like Uncle Telling tales Sam in those old Army recruit- Though stories, andlots of ment posters, wants you. Everyone who workswith the them,are the reason for the festival is a volunteer. As Hat- festival, it's the people saying the words who are the main at- field put it, “We're a bunch of moms with some great library traction. popularteller can build up a devoted following after evenjust one appearanceat the festival. “Last year we invited Gladys Cogswell from Mis- husband. “The week before a festival,” Dave Sharp said, “we'll watches for the faraway look that tells him a listener practice every night for is matching mental images to had so manypeople say, ‘When MOLLY CORSO/Daily Herald Jackson Gillman performsa song about mosquitoes during the is she coming back?” People fall in love with(the tellers).” there aren't nearly enough of the year-round people to handle the entire festival. the words of his story. “Then two,three, sometimes four hours.” souri,” Acersonsaid. “We have staff trying topull this off.” But Each year, volunteers do I know we're on the same With a background in ani- mation andtelevision, Dave everything from directing parking,selling tickets and passing wavelength.” - — Cody Clark out brochures to supervising school groups and emceeing during festival events. TimpanogosStorytelling Festival in 2003 For sometellers, their connection to an audienceis equally meaningful. “Whenevery eye nice thing about storytelling, It’s also the case that not is on you and you know that that you'renot limited by the everybody who showsupjust you're being heard and that great feeling that chases away anynervousness. Of course, the opposite holds true. If you're not making a connection, it's a miserable experience. “Not thatthat’s ever hap- pened to me,” he added with a self-deprecating chuckle. of the people you might see _at the festival. The festival operates Fan Fare,a gift shop that peddles everything from T-shirts and specially commissioned festival artwork to puzzles, charms, book bags and 's. The puppets,r: chance to hear briefly from all 10 featured tellers. (The regional and youthtellers will not be included.) One thing that frustrates some festival attendees, Acerson said, is out on teller until it’s too late to get in on American tradition,” she said. it was from the Seattle Public in size from finger puppets to oneof their appearances. The shoulder and yak at passersby, _at Mt. Timpanogos Parkfol- Wright, a writer who lives at yourfestival — who've beeninvited to perform atthe festival. Wright draws most of the stories that he tells out of his ownlife. Straight personal experience, he said, with maybe a smidgen of embellishment. OK, sometimes a wholelot of embellishment. As Wrightputit, “That's the A lot of the people who patronizethefestival arelocal. residents, but not as many as you'd think. Hatfield estimated that only about one-third of festival attendees are Utah County residents. “Wereally pull from across the nation,” she said, citing ticket orders from, among other far-flung states, Florida, Indiana, New York, Connecticut and Hawaii. Schoolgroups arealso a largeportionofthe festival audience. Busloads of children showup each year, and Low said the festival has recently expanded its mission to include a smaller, encore event — the next oneis scheduled to occur in February — es| toaccommodateschools that aren't yet in session in August. “Weareliterally trying to grow the next generation of _storytellers,” she said. And though you wouldn't ones big enoughtosit on your are especially popular. “People call and say, ‘Dowe haveto havea ticket to the festival to get in and buy your puppets?’ said Hatfield. = Not just the same old, same old first time, the festival is hold- (Un en OW, Aa help makethis pos- sible,” ield said. And while you mightnot be compensated monetarily, be- ing a volunteerat the festival is not without its rewards. For Low,oneofthose for whom the festival is a year-round commitmentin the first place, worryangbo Portabletoilets while rs soak in the festival atmospherecan be especiallytiring. new event, held Thursday night Even so,she said, it’s possible lowing morning and aft storytelling workshops at the Orem Public Library,is being called “Look Who's Talking.” “It will be a fun wayto introduce the tellers and show the community our new home,” Acersonsaid. Therewill also be some new Of course,just because people twists on old favorites. Past fescan expect to purchase favortival events held at the SCERA ite gifts andlisten to familiar Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem tellers doesn’t mean that there haveattracted large crowds. won't be anything new under Twoshows,“Laughin’ Night” the late summersun. Acersonsaidthat, for the ‘Take a look beyond the tower. teers whp Se patrons wil have the wantsto hear a few stories. Hatfield said the festival quite commonly attracts people from other areas who are interested _in organizing storytelling festivals of their own. “Every year we’‘ get a del_egation,” she said. year Library System.” “Wehavean armyof volun- night reception aren't even the draw for some facts.” Alstonfollows another popular model for storytelling, whichis to take stories that she draws from other sources and make them her ownin the telling. “Most of my stories come out of the African and African- These are the people in Highland, is oneoffive regional tellers — up-and-comers drawn from Utah and Arizona necessarily think it, stories to sharethe joy ofthe festival with patrons without even speaking to them. “When someonecomestoward me from tent and | look at their face andtheir eyes are shining,andit's like they've had a heart-touching experience,” said Low,“I know thatfeeling. “That's whenI think the experience of having a third trash bag break on myleg andrun all over myffeet is worth itit.” » CodyCla Clark can be. reachedat 344-2542 or cclark@heraldextra.com. (on Saturday) and “My Favorite Stories” (Friday) are scheduled for the Shell this year. the Savvy Shopper Pinching Penniesfor Your Pantry! REBECCA’S PICK e THE WEEK: POINT Feeding mind and body has never been soeasy. Enjoy a tasty lunch from Harvest Restaurant and hear an inspirational message from Camille Fronkk, associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University ($18.50/Person,Includes garden pass) AUGUST19 ZIONS BANK HOT AUTUMN NIGHTS- ENOCH TRAIN Enjoyaward-winning unique contemporaryarrangements of traditional folk and hymn tunes. ($10/Person — In advance, $12/Person — Day of) AUGUST20 PIG-N-PORK DAY Celebrateall things pork at Farm Countrywith games, activities, ponyrides, crafts wagonrides and prizes. ($3.50/Adult, $2.50/Child) AUGUST20 CATCH A SUMMERSTAR CONCERT Its like an entire summer concert series packed into one night. Alex Boye, Providence, Kirby Heyborne, T Minus 5, Greg Simpson, Shane Jackman and Jason Deere. ($10/Person — In advance, $12/Person - Dayof) AUGUST27 ZIONS BANK HOT AUTUMNNIGHTS - VOICE MALE A six-man contemporary a cappella groupthat has been delighting audiences for more than a decade sharingin pure, spontaneous fun! ($10/Person ~ In advance, $12/Person — Dayof) FRIDAYS FARMER’S MARKET Fresh produce weekly and a wide varietyofarts and crafts and entertainment Runs through October7. (NoCharge) wanenny AUGUST13 GARDEN LUNCHEONSERIES Come learn how . to use coupons! ° the Sawy Sep RebeccaPickett will be at: Smiths FOOD & DRUG STORES in Pleasant Grove on August 25th at 11:00 a.m & in Saratoga Springs on August 26th at 9:30 a.m The Sawy Shopper will provide the coupons and go shopping with you. Call RebeccaPickett to R.S.V.P. at 344-2923 GROCERY GIVE-AWAY: Sign up for the Daily Herald Coupon Subscription Packageorrefer a friend whosigns up and youwill be entered to win $100 worth of groceries-including cases of food from the recent case/otsale! (Dates of Contest-August 15-September 15) Tune in Just off 1-15 at the Point of the Mountain For information call 801.768.2300orvisit www.thanksgivingpoint.com. savvy shopper_ Dailuxticrala |