WAYNESBORO — The Institute is hosting a StoryWalk® Festival on Sunday, June 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Pine Hill Recreation Area in Waynesboro, Pa. The event is free and open to the public.
“A full day of fun is planned for our inaugural StoryWalk® Festival,” said Jessica Watson, Institute assistant director. “We are thrilled to feature award-winning Pennsylvania author and illustrator, Lindsay Barrett George, with her book, In the Garden: Who’s Been Here? on the StoryWalk® trail.”
Lindsay Barrett George will lead a guided walk on the story trail at 3 p.m. Institute faculty members will lead walks at 1:00, 1:15, and 3:15 p.m. Register in advance for the guided story trail walks on The Institute’s website, www.natureandcultureinstitute.org.
In addition to the guided story trail walks, the festival schedule includes crafts for kids in the pavilion from 1 to 4 p.m., live music from 1 to 2 p.m., a presentation and group activity led by George at 2 p.m. and a variety of other activities.
George began drawing animals, friends, family and nature as a child. She has published 18 books, most featuring her beloved animals, and has received numerous national and regional awards for her books.
For the past 35 years, she has lectured and presented at national literacy and reading conferences and conventions, writer’s conferences, and children’s book workshops.
George began her career in the children’s book field as a book designer in a NYC publishing house. She combined her fine arts background with graphic design experience to produce books that spotlight the animals that she cares about, making them come alive for children.
“I enjoy speaking and sharing with book and story lovers of all ages, but I have a particular passion for leading family drawing and nature workshops,” George said. She will lead a family activity during the festival.
In addition to George, local authors Cierra Aber, Sue James, and Dwight Karkan will be at the festival, along with displays by area organizations and businesses: Alexander Hamilton Memorial Library, Blue Ridge Summit Library, Waynesboro YMCA, and Native Niche. The ButterBee Foundation is providing pollinator education.
Musical entertainment features Nicholas DiSanto, One Man Band. Originally from central Pennsylvania, DiSanto travels the world with his ukuleles and a multi-functional contrivance known as the DiSantomophone. His enthusiastic performance features timeless American music that appeals to all ages, and he has performed at fairgrounds, retirement communities, vaudeville theaters, wedding halls and special events throughout the U.S., Canada, and Japan.
At 2 p.m., George’s presentation shows the “AHA! moment” that led to the creation of some of her nature-based books.
“The presentation is like a guessing game in disguise,” George said. “It’s fun to share and includes some interesting ‘critter info’ too.” After sharing how ideas for books actually become a book, George invites families to join her for an interactive story-drawing activity.
Free autographed copies of George’s book, In the Garden: Who’s Been Here? will be available, one per family while supply lasts. George will also have art materials and nature-based activities at her table during the festival.
Antietam Dairy ice cream truck will be selling scoops during the event.
Rain location is Waynesboro Area Middle School.
For more information, contact The Institute at (717) 762-0373 or email to: info@natureandcultureinstitute.org. More details at www.natureandcultureinstitute.org.
