Telling America's Story

"America's Story"
Event Rules

Each story must be within a time limit of 5 to 10 minutes.
All entrants are encouraged to seek permission of the story's author, whether it is from an in-print or non-print resource, if applicable to your story. In some cases it is required.
Each entrant must be a citizen of the United States.
Your story can be original or used with permission from another source. It must be based upon true events.
Proof of permission is required before you will be considered to perform during Celebrate Freedom!T in August.
The tape and nominee form (permission form if necessary) must be sent to the Office of Specialin Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and postmarked by May 1, 2005.
The entry form must be filled out completely or the videotape will not be reviewed.
Please send one entry form per entry tape. Forms cannot be faxed.
Use VHS tape format only. Make sure your name is clearly marked on the video tape.

Timelines

Now until May - schools, libraries, community centers, organizations, parents, and individuals are encouraged to find America's Story and develop it.

By May 20 - Five Finalists will be notified and an invitation will be extended to perform in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Saturday, August 13, 2005 - "America's Story" Showcase Presentations by any entrant that would like to share "America's Story".

Videotape

All videotapes should be in VHS format with only one story on each tape. Videotapes may be returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped mailer.

Awards

All contestants will receive a Certificate of American Honor for telling "America's Story".

The five Finalists (on August 13, 2005) will receive the "Keeper of the Story" Medallion plus a Cash Award of $500.00 as they share their "America's Story".

Cash awards will be given as follows to the showcase Finalists:

Elementary Storyteller - 1 award - total $500
Middle School Storyteller - 1 award - total $500
High School Storyteller - 1 award - total $500
Adult* Storyteller - 1 award - total $500

*An Adult is any person who is not currently enrolled in a Middle or High School. Someone who has an interest in the oral tradition and has a story to tell but does not perform on a regular basis.
Professional** Storyteller - 1 award - total $500

** A Professional Storyteller is one who is involved in and studies the storytelling process and regularly performs.

In addition to the cash awards listed above for the individuals, and if the school age Finalist(s) represent a school, library, storytelling club or drama club, then a cash award of $200 will be given to the club, library or school.

Cash awards to the library, school, or club would be given as follows:

Elementary School - 1 award - total $200
Middle School - 1 award - total $200
High School - 1 award - total $200

Judges

The judges will be comprised of Qualified Historians, Professional Storytellers, and/or Innovative educators.

For more information on this event, please contact the Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events at (865) 429-7350.