National Storytelling favorite Andy Offutt Irwin headlines Saturday’s annual Storyfest at Cookeville’s Dogwood Park.
Cookeville Museums Manager Beth Thompson said the event is moving to the main stage of the performance pavilion to better utilize the downtown resource. Thompson said the festival has been a community tradition in Cookeville since 2014 and remains free to the public through various partnerships.
“And so it’s just a beautiful art form and it’s such a great way to bring people together. You know, we’re we’re in divided times and if if we can do just a little bit to help unite our community, then we’re all for it. We’re so happy to be there for it,” Thompson said.
Irvin is a national favorite whose stories are based on his growing up in Georgia. Thompson said the schedule features local storytellers like Jenny Ivy, Dwight Henry, Joyce Tatum, Lee Bailey, and Sandra Ayers, who will each have 30-minute sets.
“Well, you know, we we like there’s so much talent right here in our own backyard,” Thompson said. “So we are so lucky to be in an area that is rife with creativity, artistry, and these people that can come along and tell these beautiful, interwoven stories that make you laugh, make you cry, you know, just make you happy that you’re there on a hopefully beautiful Saturday in May.”
Thompson said an amateur storytelling competition is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., featuring eight participants who each have ten minutes to perform. Thompson said local judges use a specific rubric to score the performances before crowning a winner.
“It has quickly become one of everyone’s favorite parts of the festival is the amateur competition,” Thompson said. “People really are so talented. We’re always so surprised at how these people just come along and just blow us away with their stories on an amateur level.”
Thompson said the festival is unique because most storytelling events across the country charge admission fees. Thompson said the free admission is made possible by support from the Cookeville Arts Council, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the Friends of the Cookeville History Museum.
“You know, I just really want people to know that they will have a warm and wonderful time. If you’ve never been before, give it a try, come on out and see us. I promise you won’t be sorry,” Thompson said.
Thompson said the event runs from 10am to 5pm.