By Michela Mangiracina
On Saturday, July 30, 2011, SedonaStory.com hosted its first annual Live Storytelling event in the Cheers parking lot next to the Sedona Story store in Uptown Sedona. Almost one hundred people passed through the open air event, despite an intermittent light drizzle.
Local musician and actress Shondra Jepperson MC’d the occasion, which featured performances by the drum team Sedona’s Rhythm, hula dancer and Sedona Story manager Hansori Keliikuli accompanied by belly dancer Aziza, modern dancer Yolessa K. Lawrinnce, and ballroom dancers Sam and his partner.
The main thrust of the evening was the live storytelling contest, in which anyone could register and tell their Sedona-related story to the crowd. Bearcloud, a local artist and gallery owner, opened the contest with his testament to the singularity of Sedona’s spirit. He used Native American drumming and chanting to help the audience feel that spirit. The winner of the contest, which was judged by BEST Life Media publisher Jiyoung Oh, Sedona city councilor Barbara Litrell, and Friends of the Posse Grounds president Madeleine O’Callaghan, was Sue Ostapowich of Canada. Sue received a gift certificate to the Uptown Sedona store Peace Place. All open mic participants received a water bottle with a 20% off coupon to the BR Clinic.
Prizes were also awarded to participants in the trivia raffle. Individuals who signed up for the SedonaStory.com biweekly e-newsletter were entered into the raffle and four were chosen to participate in a trivia contest. They answered questions related to Sedona, with the winner, Curtis Hudson of Sedona, receiving a turquoise necklace made by local artist and acupuncturist Banya Lim. Runners up were also given prizes: Chun Bu Kyung Wisdom Cards and Healing Chakra Wall Art from BEST Life Media and framed calligraphy by Ilchi Lee from Sedona Story.
Finally Shondra announced the winners of the Sedona Storyfest Contest. The sixty entries to the contest in the Audio/Video, Picture, and Writing categories had been thoroughly considered by SedonaStory.com staff. Three in each category were awarded gift certificates donated by contest sponsors, and the grand prize winner of all the entries was awarded $500. All winners who were not present were mailed their award certificates and prizes.
And the winners are:
Grand Prize:
- Randy Fridley
Writing Category:
- Dean Merrell
- Loretta Hido
- Elizabeth Bishop
Picture Category:
- Carol Rongholt
- Bonnie Sedan
- John Beck
Audio/Video Category:
- Carl Bring
- Margaret Emory
- Elizabeth Bishop
SedonaStory.com would like to thank all who attended and participated in this annual celebration.
August 2, 2011
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