The Spoken Word Stage at 4th Street

There were crowds Sunday afternoon on 4th Street

for the Annual Festival of The Arts & Crafts.


There were four blocks of booths

featuring the work of fantastic artists.



And in the middle of one street there was a stage.

Well, sort of a stage. A microphone and speakers.

A set-up for a series of spoken word performances.

The Bloomington Storytelling Guild was one.

Patty started us off with an Irish tale.

There was a nice shade for the audience, although more stood than sat.

Many folks browsing the fair stopped for a minute to listen.
We loved the overcast sky that gave everyone a respite from the recent heat and sun.




Mary even led a cheer for the thought of rain later on, while her story took place in an African drought.

Josh had a snoring story from Sierra Leone in which one character managed to sleep - but no one else did!

There was a tandem tale from Ginny and Dana - in which there was "No News".

Stephanie gave the audience a little voodoo, and wrapped everything up with a drop of honey.

After the formal tellings, the stories continued as they often do.

Upcoming Summer Picnic and Story Swap

Celebrate the beginning of Summer with the Storytellers Guild! We'll be meeting at Upper Cascades Park on Sunday, June 26, from 5-7 pm. We'll be sharing picnic fare and stories. Families and friends welcome!
We'll gather in "The Lion's Den" shelter - you can't miss it as it is the only shelter in Upper Cascades.
Please send an email to the guild address if you are planning to attend.

Annual Fall Picnic

We had a lovely evening for our gathering in Bryan Park - cool and pleasant.

Besides food and conversation we heard some stories about the Guild's past and a wonderful tale about a dinosaur cat. "Actually," the teller warned "it might be too scary."

It was just right!

Telling tales for Habitat

Here's a group of storytellers at the " Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build Intergenerational Interfaith Mixer" (and that's a tongue twister for sure!) It was a Saturday afternoon of stories, each one leading to another - spring and birds and rabbits - each tale amusing the children and each one with a little idea tucked inside for the older members of the audience to appreciate.