While a story may be based on a book, there’s much more to storytelling than simply reading that story to an audience according to Terry Visger, one of the organizers of the La Crosse Storytelling Festival. 



“Storytellers look the audience in the eye. So even at the Pump House, we’re not like the theater. It’s not in a dark room. The lights are up about the same as when they came in because the storytellers will look them in the eye and make that connection,” she said.  



There are plenty of opportunities to make that connection when The La Crosse Storytelling Festival returns for its 22nd year on July 18-19 at the Pump House Regional Arts Center. 



People of all ages can enjoy storytelling or participate in one of the classes teaching the art of storytelling. While those events on Friday and Saturday do require purchasing a ticket, there’s one portion of the festival that’s free.  



“The children’s program is free because we know how important story is to kids’ development, to kids’ brains, it’s a literacy skill for children. So, we want to introduce it to them, and we do it free,” Visger said.  



It runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It includes songs and music from Hans Mayer and “Fantastic Stories” with Charlotte Blake Alston. She performed at the Kennedy Center and works with the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra as its storyteller, narrator, and host.  



Other storytellers at this year’s event include Bil Lepp, who shares his stories plus running one of the workshops on adding humor to a tale. He’s a five-time champion of the West Virginia Liar’s Contest.  



Jim May also is an award-winning storyteller who also takes the stage and holds a workshop on Saturday about sharing personal stories.  



Tickets for the La Crosse Storytelling Festival can be purchased through the Pump House’s website.

While a story may be based on a book, there&rsquo;s much more to storytelling than simply reading that story to an audience according to Terry Visger, one of the organizers of the La Crosse Storytelling Festival.&nbsp;
 
&ldquo;Storytellers look the audience in the eye. So even at the Pump House, we&rsquo;re not like the theater. It&rsquo;s not in a dark room. The lights are up about the same as when they came in because the storytellers will look them in the eye and make that connection,&rdquo; she said. &nbsp;
 
There are plenty of opportunities to make that connection when The La Crosse Storytelling Festival returns for its 22nd year on July 18-19 at the Pump House Regional Arts Center.&nbsp;
 
People of all ages can enjoy storytelling or participate in one of the classes teaching the art of storytelling. While those events on Friday and Saturday do require purchasing a ticket, there&rsquo;s one portion of the festival that&rsquo;s free. &nbsp;
 
&ldquo;The children&rsquo;s program is free because we know how important story is to kids&rsquo; development, to kids&rsquo; brains, it&rsquo;s a literacy skill for children. So, we want to introduce it to them, and we do it free,&rdquo; Visger said. &nbsp;
 
It runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It includes songs and music from Hans Mayer and &ldquo;Fantastic Stories&rdquo; with Charlotte Blake Alston. She performed at the Kennedy Center and works with the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra as its storyteller, narrator, and host. &nbsp;
 
Other storytellers at this year&rsquo;s event include Bil Lepp, who shares his stories plus running one of the workshops on adding humor to a tale. He&rsquo;s a five-time champion of the West Virginia Liar&rsquo;s Contest. &nbsp;
 
Jim May also is an award-winning storyteller who also takes the stage and holds a workshop on Saturday about sharing personal stories.&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
Tickets for the La Crosse Storytelling Festival can be purchased through the Pump House&rsquo;s website.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.