Weber State prepares for local favorite, 28th annual Storytelling Festival
OGDEN, Utah — Nationally and internationally acclaimed storytellers and local youth will take the stage at Weber State University’s 28th annual Storytelling Festival Feb. 26–28.
The three-day festival features a variety of storytelling genres with events for the community, WSU students, faculty and staff to enjoy.
“Storytelling is the oldest form of teaching, and it's been around since humans could speak,” said Sara Gailey, assistant professor of teacher education and festival chair. “It’s special to have a storytelling festival with such captivating performances that engage the community.”
This year’s festival will feature award-winning storytellers Donna Washington, Carolina Quiroga and Tim Lowry. Washington is a storyteller, author and artist-educator who shares a wide variety of stories for all ages. Quiroga is a bilingual storyteller who engages her audience with Latin American folklore and literature. Lowry combines stories from American history with folktales and personal narratives.
Events this year include Family Fun Night, Storytelling Ph.D and a Festival Finale. Outreach concerts will also be held each afternoon, where regional and featured tellers are sent to schools and retirement communities.
“Storytelling takes a lot of skill and teaches youth another art form," Gailey said. “It’s important to support the youth who participate and if it’s something they enjoy, they can keep working on developing those skills.”
Festival events will be held at multiple locations in Davis and Weber counties, including the WSU Ogden campus, Treehouse Children’s Museum and WSU Davis ballrooms. All events are free with the exception of the annual fundraising dinner at Timbermine Steakhouse on Feb. 27, where reservations must be made before Feb. 16.
A schedule of performances and activities are available on the festival website.
Erika Gonzalez Lara, Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948, erikagonzalezlara@weber.edu- Contact:
Rachel Badali, news coordinator
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu