KAGAWONG—Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9 are sure to be a weekend of creativity and inspiration for all.
Jabbawong Storytelling Festival is back for another year. The festival’s mission is to celebrate traditional and contemporary storytelling; offering a rich and diverse program to capture the imagination of all ages. The objective is to foster and promote the creation and enjoyment of storytelling in all forms on Manitoulin Island.
Festival organizers Sharon Alkenbrack, Sharon Jackson, Diane Larocque and Helen Siksek held a very successful online art auction to raise funds for the event and thanked those who contributed items and to the bidders.
What is the difference between a storyteller and a writer? A writer by definition is “a person who uses written words in various styles and techniques to communicate ideas.” A storyteller, on the other hand, is someone who conveys events in words, images or sounds. So why does it matter which one you are?
The title Jabbawong is a take on the Jabberwocky nonsense poem written by Lewis Caroll about the killing of a creature called the Jabberwock. It was included in his 1871 novel ‘Through the Looking Glass,’ the sequel to ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.’
The line up for Saturday’s Festival include Ian Anderson, Rod Carley, Kim Fahner, Terry Fallis, Karen Pheasant and Mark Seabrook. Evelyn Cardiff will share a story or two and Steve Paikin will also be on hand.
Mr. Anderson, a natural born storyteller, will share his experiences during many years in wildlife management.
Rod Carley is an award-winning author of three works of literary fiction. Visit him online at www.rodcarley.ca his Facebook page, or Instagram @rdcarley.
Kim Fahner is a return author for Jabbawong. Ms Fahner is the fourth poet laureate of the City of Greater Sudbury and the first woman to be appointed to the role. For more information reach out to her on Facebook or Instagram @kimfahner.
Terry Fallis is a Canadian writer and public relations consultant. He is a two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for humour and an award-winning author of eight national bestsellers. Check him out on Facebook or Instagram @terry.fallis.
Karen Pheasant is an Anishinaabe dancer, educator, writer, artist, and orator from Wiikwemkoong. In 2021, her new book was awarded the 2021 Norma Fleck Award for Children’s Non-fiction, considered to be one of Canada’s most prestigious awards for children’s books. You can follow her on Facebook.
Mark Seabrook is also back for another year. Mr. Seabrook is an Indigenous author, artist and storyteller. He can be reached at www.twinravens.com, Facebook or on Instagram @twinravens2000.
The program begins at 11 am at the Kagawong Park Centre (39 Henry Drive) with Mr. Anderson taking the podium at 11:15 am following opening remarks.
Don’t miss the Vendor Market under the skating rink roof from 10 am to 3 pm (Saturday only).
The Old Mill Heritage Museum Board members will be hosting a barbecue from 10:30 am to 3 pm.
Art in the Park runs from 10 am to 5 pm in the Park Centre on both days. Check out this group art exhibition featuring local and regional artists. They include Sharon Alkenbrack, Craig Jackson, Morgan Kitching, Susan Lampinen, Kimily Mayer, Dani Lynn Redgrift-Berthelot, Karen Rodgers, Mark Seabrook, Helen Siksek, Don Tenniswood and Wayne Malleau.
Gail Burstyn invites you to “come play with paint” as she leads an acrylic paint workshop for adults on Sunday, July 9 from 10 am to 4 pm. No experience necessary, all materials are provided, and you will take home two 14” x 14” canvasses. Cost is $70 per person. To register visit Jabbawong Storytelling Festival’s Facebook page.
Morris Thompson will be leading a workshop (also on Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm) on how to make a comfort bird wood carving. Cost is $45 per person. No experience necessary and all materials are provided.
Something for everyone. Bring a friend. Tell a friend.
