Iowa Storytelling Festival

What started in 1989

The Clear Lake Public Library first sponsored the Iowa Storytelling Festival in 1989. It was intended to be a one-time special event in celebration of the library’s centennial.

Became an Annual Event

The festival was so well received that it became an annual event, and thousands of persons of all ages have enjoyed the festival in the years since. The festival’s beautiful lakeside setting draws audiences from Iowa and beyond. The festival has hosted many outstanding storytellers and that tradition continues with this year’s featured performers.

A New Page Turns

The Iowa Storytelling Festival is getting a facelift this year! In partnership with the Ventura Public Library and the Meservey Public Library, we aim to bring a bigger, better event. Alongside the storytellers, we will be hosting a local author fair at the Ventura Community Center.

Iowa Storytelling Festival 2024!

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The Iowa Storytelling Festival is an annual event that occurs at the end of summer reading. This year brings a renewed program, partnering with Ventura Public Library and Meservey Public Library to include a local author fair, craft station, and concessions, all at the Ventura Community Center!
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Schedule of events:

10:00 am – doors open to public
10:30 am – Will Stuck (Children’s Stories)
11:30 am – Lunch Break
1:00 pm – Bob Gasch (Campfire Stories)
2:30 pm – Maureen Korte (History of Storytelling)

Meet the Storytellers:

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Will Stuck: With a background rooted in the library world, Will is no stranger to the enthusiasm and excitement it takes to put on a show for kids. His presentation style is often described as “high energy” and “hilarious.” Packed with plenty of audience participation, his shows are sure to make the young and young at heart smile from ear to ear.

Bob Gasch: Since 1971, Bob has been visiting schools, libraries and organizations from Alaska to Louisiana and Colorado to Northern Ireland. His presentations have been helping people become more aware of and interested in history, reading, writing and storytelling.

Maureen Korte: Maureen has been telling stories from around the world to people of every culture and to every age for almost fifty years. This teller has told and gathered stories around the world. She tells at festivals, in schools, theaters, at Universities, Clubs, Civic Organizations and more. Having an Irish background means that Maureen travels to Ireland to see family and friends as well as booking Irish performers. She tells many Irish folktales, myths and legends as well as personal stories about growing up Irish and raising two Irish Hooligans, Patrick and Daniel. Currently Maureen and her husband Robert, live in Ankeny with their Tri-Colored Collie, Finn McCool.