If At First…….                                                                                             

BY LINDA SCHUYLER FORD

If you’ve ever tried to launch a large storytelling event, you already know the requirements: dreams, coffee, and an absolute boatload of persistence. Money.

For ten years, the idea of Canopy Oaks Storytelling Festival was my favorite “someday” project. My first choice location was The Tallahassee Museum, with a working 1890’s farm, a boardwalk that winds through cypress trees, a lake, and indigenous animal habitats, an art gallery, and three historic buildings. Acres of possibilities. The museum was not interested.

[I explored other locations: vibrant city parks, wooded state parks, and private venues across two counties. But, think Cinderella. Too big, too small, too loud, too expensive. Lots of the latter.

Then came the turning point. A meeting with new museum leadership set everything into motion. Not only did they say “yes”, they said yes, and can you put something together for this  November? 

On Saturday, November 7, 2026, the Canopy Oaks Storytelling Festival is officially coming to life at the beautiful Tallahassee Museum from 9 am to 4 pm.

The line-up came together quickly with one snag. Financing came together with thanks to The National Storytelling Network, Florida Storytelling Association, Tallahassee Action Grants, and several generous donors, including a few of the storytellers, themselves! (That speaks volumes about our community!) As I write this, final details are shaping up.

The morning opens with family-friendly showcases “From Farm to Fable” and “Second Helpings.”Then youngest listeners can participate in creative movement stories with “Story, Stomp, Sway“, and all visitors can get up-close and personal with several creatures during Animal Encounters with museum staff.

The afternoon features regional tales in “Florida Stories” and storytellers’ favorites with “The Wildflowers”,  followed by “Refracted Voices: Stories of Social Justice”, featuring thought-provoking tales of struggle that ultimately point toward healing and hope. The day concludes with an open Story Swap and a Closing Concert under Tallahassee’s legendary live oaks.

Our featured storytellers are Carrie Sue Ayvar, Lona Barlett, Walt Belcher, John Doyle, Pamela Poole-Starks, and Robyn A. Rennick.

Mark your calendars, bring a picnic blanket, and get ready. Ten years in the making—and my friends and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Canopy Oaks Storytelling Festival, Tallahassee’s inaugural storytelling event, will take place at the Tallahassee Museum on November 7th, 9:00am-4:00 pm. With seven different concerts, animal encounters, and small group activities for pre-schoolers, this event offers storytelling for all ages.

All this for the regular museum General Admission charge: Adults ~ $17.50, Seniors (65+) ~ $16.50, College Students (w/I.D.) ~ $16.50, Children (4-15) ~ $12.50, Children (3 and under) ~ Free (with family)

Members ~ Free and All storytelling performances are free!

We open with From Farm to Fable, a fun, family-friendly concert of stories, followed by animal encounters with museum staff, and a creative movement, puppetry, story gathering/drop-off for younger children.

Adults and older children can choose between Refracted Light: Stories of Human Rights, or Florida Stories.

There will also be an opportunity for *you* to step on stage to tell your own 5-7 minute story!