Scary Stories at Fort Watauga is soon to be upon us!
On Thursday, October 30th at 7:30 p.m., at Sycamore Shoals State Park, the walls of the historic recreation of the fort will be alive with tales of haints and happenings of days gone by. An annual event not to be missed, Scary Stories is set inside the fort, creating a unique atmosphere for an evening of spooky tales geared to the entire family.
“We are excited to welcome three exceptional storytellers to the fort this year; C. Keith Young, and the Front Porch Storytellers – Mary Jane Kennedy, and Chad Bogart,” said Park Manager Jennifer Bauer. “Each of these talented tellers is sure to bring a smile to your face and a chill to your spine.”
C. Keith Young, raconteur, has performed as the featured storyteller/emcee for the Virginia Highlands Festival, First Night Kingsport, Kingsport Funfest Showtime, Fayetteville Christmas Past Festival, Erwin Strawberry Festival, the Stone Soup Festival in South Carolina, Elizabethton’s Covered Bridge Celebration, Roan Mountain State Park Miller Homestead Days, Sycamore Shoals State Park, plus numerous appearances at Tellabrations and Jonesborough Days. His work as a storyteller, emcee, humorist and professional musician spans more than three decades. He serves the area as director of the off-campus teaching site in Elizabethton for Northeast State Community College.
The Front Porch Storytellers – developed and co-founded by Mary Jane Kennedy, Sherri Hyder and Chad Bogart – is actively presenting storytelling programs throughout the area and in Elizabethton. Be sure to check out their Historic Ghost Walks in downtown Elizabethton. They have been telling stories together for five years at many schools, civic functions, senior homes and organizations throughout the Mountain Empire.
Mary Jane Kennedy spent 30 years teaching in Orlando. She has a background in music, voice over, historical research and storytelling. She is the co-founder of The Overmountain Singers, The Homespun Storytellers and The Front Porch Storytellers. She has been actively performing in the area for the last nine years both in music and storytelling.
Chad Bogart comes from a long line of storytellers. His abilities are enhanced by a background in music, living history, and historical interpretation. Chad’s interest in scary stories stemmed from family ghost tales told by his grandmother, and are a favorite among his listeners.
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and make it a point to mark your calendar now for this exciting family event! If you would like additional information, please call Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area at 423-543-5808.