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FROM STAFF REPORTS
JOHNSON CITY – The 30th Annual Stories from the Pumpkin Patch is set to enchant visitors on Saturday, Oct. 14, running from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site. The event will be graced by gifted storytellers from the Jonesborough International Story Tellers Guild, including the likes of Libby Street and Emily Katt. These captivating narrators will weave tales of old folklore, autumn legends, and heartwarming family fables.
Libby Street, known as the “Mountain Terp Teller,” hails from Flag Pond, where she works as a professional sign language interpreter. She artfully combines sign language, gesture, and voice to share stories that delve into her Appalachian heritage and her roots in a deaf Appalachian family. Libby’s storytelling repertoire includes folktales, fairytales, narratives of healing, historical accounts, traditional ballads, and stories about her four children. Her dedication to storytelling extends beyond her performances; she has served as the past president of the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild, contributed to the Healing Story Alliance’s executive board, and currently holds the position of Vice-President for the Tennessee Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Moreover, she is the Interpreter Coordinator at Tennessee Schools for the Deaf.
Emily Katt, a former editor of the regional lifestyles publication Marquee Magazine, has always been a creative force in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Recently, she completed a Master of Arts degree in Communication and Storytelling Studies at East Tennessee State University. She possesses a vast repertoire of tales, ranging from folklore and family narratives to ghostly stories.
The daytime activities promise an array of fun for visitors, with Fall and Halloween crafts available for kids within the visitor center. Spooky-themed face painting is on offer for children of all ages at $2 per session. Hot apple cider will be lovingly prepared and served from the mid-nineteenth century George Haynes cabin. Additionally, the Tipton-Haynes house will be open for leisurely exploration. Brave souls can venture into the site’s ancient and eerie cave. A hay ride provided by Johnson City Kubota will be manned by spooky volunteers from the Appalachian Highland Celts who will delight in both scaring visitors and distributing candy along the route. The Watauga Historical Association will be on hand, stirring a cauldron to produce delectable apple butter, available for purchase at $7 for a pint and $4 for a half pint. A selection of local vendors will showcase homemade crafts, while a variety of food trucks will cater to hungry guests. The event will also provide an opportunity to learn about the area’s rich history by visiting other local historic sites.
This evening of family-friendly outdoor fun comes with an admission fee of $6 per adult, $3 for children 12 and under, and free entry for Tipton-Haynes members. Located at 2620 S. Roan Street in Johnson City, the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site operates under an agreement with the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, the Tennessee Historical Commission. For more details, please contact (423) 926-3631.