What is a Florida Cracker? Popular folk lore explains that the term came from the “cracking” of the whips used by the pioneer cattle wranglers in Florida, known as cowmen or cow hunters. In the 1500s in Elizabethan England, a “cracker” described a person who engaged in entertaining conversation (as in “to crack a joke”). …
Florida Tellers Featured at 33rd Cracker Storytelling Festival Read More »
Storytellers throughout Florida are in demand this month as Halloween looms ahead and ghost stories abound. One of the longest-running events is the Haunting Tales night on Friday, Oct. 28, at the Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, featuring many of our Florida Storytelling Association members. This marks the 29th year for this spine-tingling collection …
Halloween Hauntings with Storytellers in Full Swing Read More »
The Bay Storytellers (Panama City/Bay County) experienced difficult times after Hurricane Michael. One of our most prolific and magical members died during the storm and another the following year. We had little on the calendar. I was on the verge of disbanding altogether when my friend Bryan came up with an idea. Of sorts.He was …
Make plans now to attend the 39th annual Florida Storytelling Festival in Mt Dora, Fl. on Jan. 26-29. Tellers and listeners from throughout the state will gather for the four-day event at the historic Lakeside Inn on Lake Dora. Featured this year are five gifted and diverse tellers: # Folk artist/historian Andy Hedges from Lubbock, …
Looking Ahead to the Florida Storytelling Festival: Book Early Read More »
Several members of the Florida Storytelling Association will take part in a Zoom fund-raiser for Florida Poodle Rescue on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 7:30 p.m. The online event, “Dogs Have Tales,” also includes a story from the late Jim Gregory who passed away in July. Jim, a long-time member of FSA, had pre-recorded his story …
Storytellers Help Raise Money for Florida Dog Rescue Group Read More »
We have lost another storyteller with the passing of James Gregory Jr. on July 31. He was 82 and resided in North Carolina. He was a long-time friend and member of the Florida Storytelling Association, dating back to the early days of the Florida Story Camp which evolved into the annual Florida Storytelling Festival. In …
Remembering Jim Gregory: A Beloved Teller & FSA Supporter Read More »
James Peter Glaser, a past recipient of the Florida Storytelling Association’s “Ambassador” award, passed away on June 14 at HCA Florida Capitol Hospital. He was 75. Each year, the Ambassador of Storytelling Award is presented by the Florida Storytelling Association to an individual who promotes and shares enthusiasm for storytelling, encouraging both tellers and listeners. …
In Memory of 2018 Florida Storytelling Ambassador James Glaser Read More »
Carolyn Gray Abdalla (Rusty) will be remembered by her welcoming smile, genuine interest in people and beautiful spirit. She was a longtime member of the Florida Storytelling Association and was frequently found on the Front Porch at the annual Festival. She also made several appearances on the main stage as part of the Member Showcase. …
Kip Barkley liked to hear and tell stories. He was especially fond of humorous stories and once posted that he sees the world as if he just stepped off a flying saucer that landed in the nearest parking lot. Kip, who passed away on July 11 at age 78, will be remembered for his kindness, …
-by Katie Green – www.katiegreenstories.com I have loved fairy tales ever since I can remember. These stories talked about things that were important. Maybe that’s what I’m a storyteller today. I spent most of my childhood summers with my grandparents in Meadowview, Virginia. The women snapped peas and broke beans on the front porch, and …
