Telling Like It Is

2011 Festival Volunteers - Thank you from all of us!

Every year we say: We simply couldn't do it without the help of each and every one of our sponsors. If you've been to the festival, you've heard it before. I sure hope our sponsors have heard it. Because, believe me, it's the absolute truth.

And honestly, it's never been truer than it was this year.

Ticket sales never cover the cost of a festival. And like everything else in life, costs just keep going up and up! Over the years, our sponsors have kept this festival alive. They've supported the idea - and they've paid the bills. They're the ones who have made it possible, year after year, to bring this experience to our community - and to our schools. (Which by the way, is a huge part of the festival. We don't advertise the festival's school program, but every year - thanks to our sponsors - thousands of Uintah School District students attend performances by nationally and internationally renowned storytellers. All free. All right here, in VernalUTAH!)

For the second year in a row, our sponsors made it possible to open our festival doors on Thursday night FREE to the whole community - A Grand Night of Tales with all of our storytellers on one stage, sharing their favorite stories.  Over 600 people attended. In addition - thanks to our sponsors - that same Thursday night, our Bedtime Stories event was also offered FREE to young and old. Over 200 attended. Plus, for the first time ever, our festival included a storytelling symposium, a half day of workshops and trainings by all three of our national storytellers. Over 60  participants gathered, students and teachers as classmates in the same classroom learning storytelling techniques together. It was an amazing experience. This too was offered FREE to interested students and Uintah School District teachers. All thanks to our sponsors.

What wonderful gifts to our community.

So, if you would, take a moment and look over our list of sponsors. If you live in the Basin, more than likely they're people you do business with; they're your colleagues, your friends, your family. If you've enjoyed the festival, let them know. Share your festival stories with them. Give them a pat on the back, and please don't hesitate to say, "Thank you!"

Cause honestly, we're telling it like it is: We simply couldn't do it without them!