The Lake Oswego Public Library is holding its second annual Storytelling Festival this week. Created to celebrate last year’s kickoff of the library’s oral history project which preserves the stories of Lake Oswego neighbors, the festival continues in the tradition of helping attendees discover their stories and appreciate the stories of their neighbors.

What do you have in common with one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, the Lake Oswego Police Chief and a candidate for Lake Oswego City Council?

You all have a story to tell. You may not know yours yet, but the Lake Oswego Public Library is presenting its second annual Storytelling Festival in the hopes of helping you find it.

Featured presenters include Lopez Lumong, who went from being one of the Lost Boys of Sudan to an American citizen and Olympic athlete. Hearing his story alone is worth blocking this week out on your calendar. He kicks things off on Monday, October 22 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Marylhurst University Commons, 17600 Pacific Highway.

All events are free and open to the public; however, space can be limited so please register where noted.

In addition to Lumong’s presentation, this year’s highlights include:

■Workshop: Grandma, Tell Me a Story with Storytellers Terry Jordan (who also is running for Lake Oswego City Council) and Anne Rutherford. Learn how to weave stories to your kids and grandkids.  Tuesday, October 23 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street. Register: 503.675.2540.

■Workshop: Finding Your Voice: From Anecdote to Story with Storyteller Alton Chung. Turn your memories into stories others can enjoy. Tuesday, October 23 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oswego Heritage House, 398 Tenth Street. Register: 503.675.2540.

■Workshop: Pass the Word: Storytelling Workshop for Ages 8-12 with Storyteller Will Hornyak. Through games and exercises, your kids will be telling stories before they know it! Wednesday, October 24, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street. Register: 503.675.2540.

■Best of the Police Blotter. Truth can be stranger than fiction as told by Lake Oswego Police Chief Don Johnson and Milwaukie Police Chief Bob Jordan. Wednesday, October 24, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

■Tales from the Grave. Just in time for Halloween-here’s your chance to get spooked with scary stories from Sarah Houser, Anne Rutherford and Anne Penfound. Thursday, October 25, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oswego Heritage House, 398 Tenth Street.

■Neighborhood Photo Gallery Reception and Hot Fudge Sundaes. Vote for your favorite neighborhood photo telling the story of what makes it great. Friday, October 26, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

■Open Mike/Story Swap! You’ve listened and watched…now it’s your turn to tell your tale. Friday, October 26, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Chuck’s Place, 148 B Avenue.

■Lifting Up the Sky: Stories of People Working Together with Storyteller Will Hornyak. Common roots and cooperation tie these tales together. Saturday, October 27, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

■Telling Lives: Allures and Ambushes with Storytellers Alton Chung, Steve Henegar and Terry Jordan. Finish the week off with a happy ending by sitting back and being entertained. Saturday, October 27, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way.

Still debating about whether or not to go? Check out last year’s post on the festival and hear the storytellers tell you in their own words why you should attend.

Stories is what this blog is all about–stories of what makes Lake Oswego such a great place to live. If you have a story to share, I’d love to hear it!

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