LAURINBURG — Constants in this weekend’s Bold-Faced Liars’ Showdown at the Storytelling and Arts Center will strive to stray as far from the truth as possible.
But though the stories won’t hold water, they’re highly likely to bring the audience into peals of tear-inducing laughter.
The ninth annual storytelling contest will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, presented by the Arts Council of Scotland County. It is open to both amateur and professional storytellers 16 and up with an imaginative, detailed fib to fabricate.
“It’s wide open to any crazy story,” said Erin Rembert, director of the storytelling center.“They have seven minutes to weave their tale and after that, the judges will begin deducting points.”
Last year, 18 vied for the title of best yarn spinner, with Durham puppeteer Pamela Alberda and Cameron Boys Camp supervisor Jadie Fuson winning the top two places.
“We do have some regulars who come back year after year, and then every year we’ve had some brand-new people as well,” Rembert said.
Stories will be judged by a panel of three headed by four-time West Virginia Liars’ Contest winner Adam Booth. Awards will immediately follow the afternoon competition.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants.
At 7 p.m., the center will hold a storytelling concert featuring Booth, whose stories blend folklore, music and contemporary Appalachian culture.
Booth’s accolades include the post of teller-in-residence at the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee, New Voice at the National Storytelling Festival and resident at the Banff Centre Spoken Word program. His stories and recordings have been honored with two Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Awards, Storytelling World Awards Honors and the National Storytelling Network’s J.J. Reneaux Mentorship Grant.
Admission is $10 for each session or $15 for both the contest and concert.
For information or to reserve tickets to the event, visit storyartscenter.org or call 910-277-3599.
Reach Mary Katherine Murphy at 910-506-3169.