Article Contributed on: 3/16/2006 8:05:08 AM
Elm Farm Ollie was the first cow milked while flying in an airplane. The milk was sealed in paper containers and parachuted over St. Louis, MO, in 1930. Two local professional storytellers, Sunny Marie Hackman and Cheri Seeton, are hosting a story slam in Ollie's honor on March 25 at 6 p.m. Ten pre-registered "Hay Shakers" will each tell a 5-7 minute story. Three community judges will award a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize.
Cheri Seeton says, "The Olympics have Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, but the "Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Free" story slam has Gold, Gold and Gold," plus a People's Choice Award. First prize is $100 in cash. Second prize is paid admission to the Rocky Mountain Regional Storytelling Conference, and third prize is a five-week storytelling class taught by Susan Marie Frontczak. The merriment begins with a moment of silence in Ollie's honor.
Sunny Marie Hackman says, "Community interest and support has been overwhelming." The Mustard Museum in Wisconsin is shipping in Elm Farm Ollie mustard for the event. The Whole Foods Market store marketing director at the Belmar Center, Allison Trembly, encouraged the two storytellers to move the house concert to a bigger venue when it grew to unmanagable proportions. The story slam is being hosted by the Lakewood Heritage Center and sponsored by Whole Foods Market. Tickets are free to the community but must be reserved in advance by calling 303.233.7901.
Due to the competitive nature of the event, no children under eight, please. Storytelling is an oral art, and it is at its best in the heart of Lakewood.