Article Contributed on: 4/2/2008 8:22:57 AM
Joy Jowers of Littleton took first place in the first annual "Ollie, Ollie Oxen Free" Youth Story Slam with her winning portrayal of Anne of Green Gables. Her prize was $50 in cash. Second place went to
Laura Wolff of Morrison, and third place went to
Joe Carroll of Nederland.
Judges for the event were
Michelle Harmon of Englewood, Victor Merchant of Denver and
Erin Feese of Lakewood.
Sunny Marie Hackman of Lakewood and
Cheri Seeton of Golden, storytellers and entertainers, saw their vision of having a story slam for youth, ages 12-18, come to life as they partnered with storyteller,
Elsa Wolff of Morrison, as MC and organizer.
Sunny Marie and Cheri have held an adult story slam for the past three years in honor of Elm Farm Ollie, the first cow milked while flying in an airplane. Each year in February ten storytellers are drawn at random from registrations received for the event which is held in March at the Lakewood Heritage Center, 801 S. Yarrow Street, in the historic schoolhouse.
The Whole Foods Market in Belmar and the Lakewood Heritage Center have sponsored this popular event for the past three years.
Elsa Wolff was the 2008 First Place and People's Choice winner for the adult division;
Ken Nichols from Loveland placed second, and
Steve Lee from Arvada won third.
"The variety of stories and presentation styles is astonishing, said Cheri Seeton, "from living history protrayals to stories incorporating magic, musical instruments and song." Sunny Marie Hackman added, "We have sold out for the past three years. Community support for the event is overwhelming."
"You do a fantastic job. This was truly a fun community event," remarked one audience member. "Thank you!"
For more information on the event, contact
Sunny Marie Hackman at
303.233.7901 or
Cheri Seeton at
303-279-2419. www.olliestoryslam.zoomshare.com
www.merrycheri.com