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A record crowd of listeners is expected this year for the 4th Annual Madison County Florida Tellabration!TM. The Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 18, is the day that you will find a big tent, a stage, and hundreds of chairs waiting for the festivities to begin at O’Toole’s Herb Farm. You will want to be there by 10 a.m. for the first telling concert and stay for more all throughout the day.
This year’s featured tellers are: Appalachian folk tale teller/musician, John Thomas Fowler; nationally recognized teller (and one of Madison’s favorites) Pat Nease; and Florida tellers Wanda Violet and Holly Bebernitz. Along with local tellers Bruce Musser, Wetzel Blair, Beth Moore, Joe Boyles, James Glaser, Tim Sanders, and more, you will experience one of the most popular elements of the program - our youth tellers from area schools.
For the first time, the noon hour will feature an open mic for those who want to tell their story. Whether they have a tall tale, a personal story, a fable, or any type, anyone may put their name in the hat, and if their name is drawn, they will tell their five-minute, family-friendly story. Our listeners will cheer you on!
This year, listeners may enjoy lunch right there on the farm. Served by the Youth Group at Madison Assembly of God, donations will be accepted for the meals and all those proceeds will go directly to their youth projects.
Parking on the grounds is convenient and free. Tickets are $7 dollars in advance and $10 at the gate. Students are $7, and children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets may be bought at The Country Store on Range Street in Downtown Madison or through the website www.mcfst.org.
These festivals have been a huge success, growing larger each year, and they are known for having the friendliest listeners found anywhere. So come early to pick out the best seat under the big top for a day of storytelling you will never forget.