Scary Stories at Fort Watauga

Thursday, October 30 – 7:00 PM

Strange things happen around All Hallows Eve, especially at an old fort by the river. But don’t
be afraid, Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals isn’t haunted… or is it? Bring a chair, sit a spell, and
join us for an evening of tales that are sure to send a shiver down your spine and tickle your
funny bone. On Thursday, October 30 th at 7:00 pm, the park will be alive with tales of haints and
happenings of days gone by. An annual event not to be missed, Scary Stories will be presented
inside the looming palisade walls of Fort Watauga providing a unique atmosphere for an evening
of spooky stories geared toward the entire family.
We are excited to welcome five exceptional storytellers to the stage this year: Elizabeth Hardy,
Dr. C. Keith Young, Catherine Yael Serota, Wallace Shealy, and Mary Jane Kennedy. Each of
these talented tellers is sure to raise goosebumps on your skin and bring a smile to your face!
Elizabeth Baird Hardy is no stranger to Sycamore Shoals. She and her family have volunteered at
the park for several years. She can often be found during our living history events talking about
the healing powers of herbs and wild plants and how our ancestors utilized them in the 18th
century. Elizabeth comes from a family of storytellers. She tells both folktales and original
Appalachian stories, including the adventures of the hapless Preacher Templeton. Elizabeth's
background in education, mountain traditions and folklore draw the listener in and leave them
spellbound.
We are delighted to have Dr. C. Keith Young return to the Scary Stories at Fort Watauga. Having
charmed audiences of all ages for more than three decades, Dr. Young has been a featured
storyteller/emcee at festival events such as Jonesborough Days, the Virginia Highlands Festival,
the Erwin Strawberry Festival, the Stone Soup Festival in Woodruff, South Carolina, Roan
Mountain State Park/Miller Homestead Days, Elizabethton's Covered Bridge Festival, and many,
many more. He is a favorite among programs that enjoy energetic, rib-tickling, family-friendly
songs and tales.
Catherine Yael Serota is Southern-Appalachian born, from Asheville NC. Her career in human
services lasted 42 years and took her from Greensboro NC across the state to Johnson City TN.
She developed an interest in storytelling seven years ago as a result of a lifetime of reading, a
love of articulation and history, and now time to pursue these in retirement. Catherine is a board
member of the Asheville Storytelling Circle, the North Carolina Storytelling Guild, and an
alumna member of the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild.

Wallace Shealy, from Flag Pond, TN has the distinction of being named the 2010 Bold Faced
Liar Champion by the Storytelling Arts Center of the Southeast. Wallace is active with the
Jonesborough Storytellers Guild and has been involved with the National Storytelling Festival
for more than 30 years. Whether he’s recalling a tale from his childhood, telling a story based on
the Good Book or spinning a yarn you will be delighted listening to him stretch the truth all out
of proportion.
Mary Jane Kennedy spent 30 years teaching in Orlando.  She has a background in music, voice-
over, historical research, and storytelling.  She is the co-founder of The Homespun Storytellers
and The Overmountain Singers. Also, as a co-founder of The Front Porch Storytellers, she has
presented storytelling and music programs at many schools, civic functions, senior homes, and
organizations throughout the Appalachian Highlands for nearly twenty years along with the
popular Historic Ghost Walks of Elizabethton.
The program will be presented inside Fort Watauga so be sure to bring your own seat. Also,
make sure to dress warmly as the nighttime air along the Watauga River can be chilly and damp.
This event is free of charge and is sure to be an exciting evening with family and friends! For
more information about this and other exciting events at Sycamore Shoals visit
tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals and facebook.com/sycamoreshoals.