by Maddy Fitzgerald
The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival is celebrating its 22nd year with national and international storytellers, live music and activities dedicated to the art of storytelling.
The festival began 22 years ago as a means to raise funds for a children’s library in Orem. It has since grown to an event that attracts 30,000 people, all eager to have the experience of simply listening to stories. Marina Spencer, a coordinator of the event, considers storytelling a binding experience for humans.
“There’s something so unique about storytelling, you’re participating as a listener and the stories bridge the gaps between us as people,” Spencer said.
The festival recruits storytellers from around the world, individuals who have mastered the craft and share stories as performers. Some of the highlights of this year’s festival include a “Bedtime Stories” event for children and a “Shivers in the Night” ghost-story themed event on Friday at 9 p.m.
With such storytelling podcasts as “This American Life” and Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” the art form is becoming increasingly popular.
According to a news release, local TV station KSL’s primary news anchor Bruce Lindsay will join 12 nationally known storytellers at this year’s Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.
The experience of listening to a story can be relaxing, emotional or inspirational. Dalinda Bond, volunteer coordinator for the festival, described her experiences with storytelling.
“Hearing people tell stories becomes an addiction, it feels good,” Bond said. “It can feel better and more uplifting than eight hours of sleep.”
Festival events and activities will continue throughout the weekend at Mount Timpanogos park and other venues. More information can be found at timpfest.org/summer-festival/schedule-of-events.
