I can’t believe this Storytelling Festival has been going on for 20 years, and this is my first year attending! Where have I been? I’m already penciling next year’s Festival on my calendar for 2010. I had pictured it very differently. I expected it to be more along the line of children’s stories, but they were adult storytellers telling stories adults would enjoy, as well as offering more kid-friendly performers.
We did attend the Bedtime Stories event on Friday night at the Scera Shell outdoor theater. You had the option of sitting on the grass (on a blanket) or in lawn chairs. The weather was gorgeous and the night started off with the musical talent of Mindy Gledhill. The girls loved her music and danced and danced during her performance. Afterwards, we listened to a lineup of professional storytellers sharing a tibit of their life in funny, captivating, and enjoyable tales.
My favorite storyteller was Bill Lep. I still smile as I think about two teenaged boys dressed as 8-point bucks driving a truck which had a hunter (dummy dressed in hunter orange) strapped to the hood, being chased by a panicked sheriff, radioing the deputy with: “you’ll never believe it! Two bucks are driving Skeet’s truck and they have him tied to the hood!” And the deputy just answers with a “well good!” We were rolling with laughter.
The following day, we spent some time at the Mt. Timpanogos park at the mouth of the Provo Canyon. The location was perfect and the weather cooperated. I lucked out, finding a parking spot at the neighboring canyon park, instead of having to ride the shuttle in. We spent the majority of our time at the puppetry pavilion being mesmerized by storytellers with puppets, as well as this guy: Drew Briney.
So mesmerized, in fact, that C8 fell backwards through the folding chair she was sitting on, landing on the ground, followed by loud crying of course. I immediately pick her up and removed ourselves from the pavilion, cradling C8 and rubbing her head. Almost instantaneously, one of the workers/volunteers was right behind us with our stroller and diaper bag, asking if C8 was ok and suggested we take advantage of the First Aid stations they have provided. She radioed to the EMT’s that we were on our way and explained what had happened, then walked us down to the First Aid tent about 100 ft away, made sure we were in good hands with the EMT’s, then after consoling C8 with a “we hope to see you come back to watch Drew”, she was gone. C8 checked out just fine, but I was very impressed with the quick thinking and kindness of this volunteer. And we did return to finish the juggling act, which was amazing!
Overall, the girls enjoyed their time and the performances and we will definitely be back next year!
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That picture of C8 makes me laugh! The festival was fun! I hope you remember to invite me again!
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Considering how much time we spent with the puppets, I can’t believe that we didn’t see you guys! Better luck next year. ;o)
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