Photo Provided Looking over the schedule for the Grand Vue Storytelling Festival, set for Sept. 17 at Grand Vue Park, Moundsville, are, from left: Levi Scott, Grand Vue Park recreation coordinator; Melissa Cork, office manager, Moundsville Division Main Street Bank, sponsor; Judi Tarowsky, festival co-chair and president, West Virginia Storytelling Guild; Stephanie Paluda, community affairs manager, Expand Energy Corp., sponsor.

MOUNDSVILLE — More than 400 elementary students from the Upper Ohio Valley will be treated to the West Virginia tradition of oral storytelling during the 2025 Grand Vue Storytelling Festival on Wednesday at Grand Vue Park, Moundsville.

Professional storytellers from the West Virginia Storytelling Guild will share a variety of tales with the youngsters. Thanks to sponsorship from Expand Energy, Main Street Bank, and Grand Vue Park, the festival is being presented at no charge to the students or schools.

“The traditional art of oral storytelling has deep roots in West Virginia, and the West Virginia Storytelling Guild works to nurture and grow this practice,” said Festival Co-Chair Judi Tarowsky. “We share this tradition at festivals throughout the state, and our members engage listeners at programs in libraries, museums, and schools. We are working to bring youth storytellers forward through workshops and camps. The Guild is so grateful for the sponsorship support we have received to continue the Grand Vue Festival.”

Stephanie Paluda, community affairs manager, Expand Energy Corp., Morgantown, and Melissa Cork, office manager, Moundsville Branch Main Street Bank, each expressed enthusiasm for their organizations’ roles in presenting the festival.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this unique day for students in the region,” Paluda said.

“Main Street Bank is proud to be a continuing supporter and are looking forward to some great storytelling,” Cork said.

Levi Scott, recreation coordinator, Grand Vue Park, commented, “We’re excited to host the festival and give the kids a chance to experience all the great stories the tellers have to share.”

For information about the West Virginia Storytelling Guild, log on to wvstorytellers.com.