Story telling is an art. Whether you are telling a story – defined as a non-truth or telling a story—defined as a recollection, the object is always to draw the listener in and engage them in your tale.

One of my favorite storytellers is Mississippi native Jerry Clower. I am told he performed in Picayune on one of his tours.

I will never forget sitting in my grandmother’s living room, surrounded by my family as we all laughed at his coon-hunting story until our eyes teared.

The voice of Clower is long gone and there are only recordings of his classical music introduction and coon hunting experience with knock ‘em out John. But the storytelling experience is not lost in our area.

The Poplarville Blueberry Festival will be hosting a group of storytellers next weekend.

They will be participating in the 31st Annual Storytelling Guild Festival on June 13 and 14 on the main stage, which is located behind the courthouse.

Having met one of the performers, Earnistine Thompson, the Native American Storyteller, and hearing some of her delivery first hand, I can truly say this event is not to be missed.

Mary Etta Moody, festival organizer, said the performers come from all walks of life and wide variety of professions.

Moody said storyteller David St. Louis is a cattle expert who has been all over the world instructing people on the care and raising of cattle.

Another storyteller, Papa Joe Wesley, was a soil fertilizer sales person in Poplarville for many years. He will be performing at the festival as well, Moody said.

In addition to storytelling, the Guild has slated musical performances by the Jordan River Band and Crossties.

Moody has contingencies for rain.

She said if it rains, the event will be relocated to the youth building at 202 West Church Street.