Story Fest celebrates imagination
With deep-rooted connections to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Judy Penuel, started planning and preparing for the first Imagination Story Fest held in Enterprise.
“I was working with Dolly when she started the program 35 years ago,” she said.
After moving to the Wiregrass area three years ago, Penuel noticed a need for an affiliate and“decided the children of Coffee County deserved to have books from the program.”
Parton’s Imagination Library, a nonprofit organization founded in 1995, has distributed millions of free books to children worldwide. The program grants children a free book each month from birth to age 5.
A celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the power of imagination, the Imagination Story Fest took place on June 10. The event, held at Enterprise State Community College, saw an impressive turnout of participants. Attendees of all ages embraced the joy and wonder of literature.
Penuel, director of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Coffee County, spent approximately six months gaining sponsorships for the event. Organized to promote literacy and provide children with books, the Imagination Story Fest featured a diverse range of activities.
The event’s highlight was the Storytelling Stage, where authors, local celebrities, and talented children’s entertainers fascinated the audience.
Jennifer Amlong, director at the Elba Public Library, expressed her delight at the variety of shows. Magician Doc Magic and ventriloquist Jacki Manna were among the entertainers involved.
Amlong said, “My personal favorite was seeing the kids following Kezia as she led them in yoga through storytelling.” Through stomps, chomps, and roars, Kezia prompted a creative, educational, and entertaining experience for all.
The Storytelling Stage even featured Bil Lepp, a five-time champion storyteller. Known for his dynamic and humorous storytelling style, Lepp captivated his audience with engaging narratives.
His presence was a celebration of storytelling highlighting the power of entertainment, education, and inspiration. Penuel explained, “We wanted to be able to introduce the art of storytelling as done through festivals nationwide.”
The book tent, generously supported by Elba and Enterprise libraries, offered visitors complimentary books. Amlong, who estimated that 150 to 200 books were given out, said she was excited about the great turnout for a first-year event.
The Plant and Grow tent, hosted by Coffee County Master Gardeners, provided attendees with small plants. This opportunity allowed individuals to get their hands dirty and learn valuable gardening tricks.
The Craft Tent, contributed by Elba Library, provided hands-on art activities for all ages. Easels stocked with paints provided an opportunity to give the children creative freedom. Face painting and bubble bookmark painting were also provided at the craft tent. Additionally, train rides offered a fun way for attendees to explore the festival grounds.
Adding to the festivities, Marley Acres organized a Petting Zoo, bringing a delightful assortment of animals for guests to enjoy. The baby bunnies stole the show. Hopping around energetically, they quickly brought smiles to the faces of all who encountered them.
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the festival also featured sensory-friendly spaces for individuals with diverse needs, ensuring that everyone could fully enjoy the event. An enclosed tent filled with sensory-friendly toys provided a safe space for individuals feeling overwhelmed by the commotion.
The Imagination Story Fest also served as a platform to raise funds for the Imagination Library. Guests generously expressed their gratitude toward Dolly Parton for her dedication to fostering a love of reading. Parton’s Imagination Library, a nonprofit organization founded in 1995, has distributed millions of free books to children worldwide
Reflecting on the success of the festival, event organizer Penuel explained, “I think we did well with the children, but we also helped to present the art of story-telling to adults. We are creating a love of reading and showing that everything around us has a story. You just have to find it.”
One of the biggest hopes for the event is that it informed the community about the Imagination Library. “That’s one of the biggest challenges, creating awareness, because it had never been implemented in this area before,” Penuel explained.
Penuel said the main goal of the festival was “to encourage children to explore their creativity and expand their minds to creative ways to look at things.”
Tags: Elba
