Dressed as an Eighteenth Century southern gentleman, storyteller Tim Lowry was on hand to greet hundreds of audience members as they arrived for the Chesapeake Storytelling Festival kickoff. The Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts in partnership with Chesapeake College will bring a three day festival to Chesapeake College April 29-May 1, 2016. Tom Helfenbein welcomed the audience promising an evening of laughter and entertainment; he didn’t disappoint. Tim Lowry regaled the audience with authentic stories of his South Carolina heritage and Br’er Rabbit while Geraldine Buckley, with her wonderful British accent, entertained them with personal stories of growing up Baptist in England, her world travels, and working with prisoners.
The diverse audience represented people of all ages and included several families and members of the 4H public speaking club whose attendance had been sponsored by Lea Brooks, Mr. & Mrs. M. King Hill, III, and Mr. & Mrs. Alan Griffith. Attendees came from all over the Eastern Shore and a few from Anne Arundel and Prince George’s Counties. The one thing they all had in common was their complete enjoyment of the performances. Several attendees remarked on the uniqueness of the event, commenting they weren’t sure what to expect but so happy they had come.
“Tonight wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of our volunteers and the generous support of our sponsors. Thanks in large part to our Underwriters: Chesapeake College, Queen Anne’s County Office of Tourism, QAC Free Library, Friends of the Library and Tom and Anne Welsh, we will have the funds necessary to begin the planning that will make the 2016 three-day festival a reality.”, Belinda Cook, Executive Director, stated. She went on to say, “We are thrilled and energized that tonight’s performances resonated so well with the audience. We can’t wait to begin work on Monday!”
Smiling attendees were treated to complimentary lemonade, strawberries, popcorn and refreshments provided by Kelly Distributors as they mingled with storytellers and friends during intermission. Mark and Kim Cascia of Cascia Vineyards were on hand with complimentary wine.
In his closing Emcee Tom Helfenbein stated, “I knew you would love it!” as the audience responded with thunderous applause.
All proceeds raised were for the benefit the 2016 Chesapeake Storytelling Festival. Information on upcoming events will be available on the Queen Anne’s County Art’s Council website at www.queenannescountyarts.com.
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