We skipped kayaking on a beautiful fall Saturday to attend the 2nd Annual Chesapeake Story Telling Festival at Chesapeake College. My review, please please hold a 3rd festival!
We were originally attracted to the festival because it featured Gwendolyn Briley-Strand as Harriet Tubman. With our grandchildren we’ve explored the story of Harriett Tubman, including visiting the new Harriett Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Site near Cambridge. Ms. Briley-Strand also appeared as Rosa Parks.
Our 10-year-old granddaughter, Amber, joined us for the day at the festival. Our hope was there would be enough to keep her interest until Harriet Tubman appeared late in the day. We didn’t need to worry. First stop, the story tellers sampler, treating us to a tall tale, a story about coping with bullies, and Ed Stivender doing an amazing Cinderella story.
Next hour, the children’s tent which again featured Ed Stivender. He entertained children and adults alike moving from one style to another When he didn’t have time to finish one of his stories, he visited us in the lunch line so Amber could hear the story’s end. What a treat.
During our lunch break, Amber spotted an extremely artistic face painter. He created twin dolphins on her face worthy of a professional painting. Definitely not your run of the mill artist.
We spent the afternoon with Ben Franklin and Harriet Tubman. A dual treat. For our granddaughter, Ms. Briley-Strand brought Harriet Tubman to life. One could feel her anguish, and willingness to risk her life for freedom. We have spent a lot of time kayaking the marshes of DELMARVA. Those kayaking locations made her story even more amazing.
Where else can a 10 year sit for over 4 hours, be led into a variety of stories, and ask to return next year?
Thanks to Eastern Shore Brent who featured the festival on his blog and inspired us to attend.
Yes, our blog is about kayaking, but kayaking has led us to many interesting places on the Eastern Shore. Stay tuned!
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Categories: Eastern Shore Kayaking, Maryland's Eastern Shore
Kayaking Delmarva 
I love the view of history as seen from a kayak. If a dam was built in the 30s on a certain stream, or a bridge, anything can change the view from a kayak. When I walked the banks of the Susquehanna a few years ago, watching the kayakers, I wondered if they knew the history of the areas around them? The toxic spills, the busted-open coal mines? To me, knowing the history makes kayaking not only fun, but interesting.
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