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 continues to evolve! In partnership with the Ventura Public Library, the Meservey Public Library, and the Rockwell Public Library, we aim to bring a bigger, better event. Alongside the storytellers, we will be hosting a local author fair in the Olson Building at the North Iowa Fair.
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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 in partnership with Ventura Public Library, Meservey Public Library, and Rockwell Public Library. The event includes a local author fair (with Three Bells Books on site to represent Iowa authors who can’t be there), a craft station, and a lunch, all in the Olson Building at the North Iowa Fair!
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Schedule of events:
10:30 am – Nicholas Pawlowski (Children’s Stories)
11:30 am – Lunch Break
1:00 pm – Sue Searing (Storytelling for all ages)
2:30 pm – Coral Conant Gilles (Mardy Murie Chautauqua Performance)
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Meet the Storytellers:
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Nicholas Pawlowski: Nicholas Pawlowski M. Ed. is an interactive storyteller and educator who founded The Story Table Foundation as a place where children can experience interactive and embodied storytelling! Through his extensive work in education and inter-cultural relations, Nicholas learned how mental and emotional wellbeing is improved by connecting with others through the arts.
Sue Searing: Sue Searing tells traditional folk and fairy tales as well as original stories drawn from her own experiences. Whether she’s entertaining children on a Saturday morning or competing in a story slam at a downtown bar, Sue infuses her performances with warmth, expressiveness, and humor. In addition to engaging audiences in person, Sue enjoys performing live online and she often records stories for broadcast on the radio.
Iowa Storytelling Festival Highlights
