From generation to generation, traditions are often passed down through stories, songs and activities. The Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian aims to celebrate this art of storytelling Saturday, Jan. 13, with activities for children during the day and a nighttime event for adults during its third annual Storytelling Festival.
Storytelling can be told through a multitude of ways such as writing and illustrating books, acting, singing, dancing, visual arts, photography and more, according to a press release from the museum. Saturday’s events are an artistic, literary adventure celebrating the art of storytelling in many forms with special guests, performances and workshops.
From an appearance by guest author Maggie Brantley to a Reading Is Fundamental, or RIF, book giveaway to princess appearances, MCM-Meridian has planned several activities during the day that should be exciting for children of all ages.
The children’s activities will kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday with the Junior Auxiliary of Meridian presenting guests with a free book through its RIF literacy project.
Story through Dance with Mary Frances Massey, made possible by a mini-grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission, will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. At noon, Meridian Little Theatre’s CenterStage youth division will perform a vignette from its current production, “Finding Nemo JR.,” based on the beloved Pixar movie. Appearances by Snow White, Belle and Cinderella, courtesy of the Junior Auxiliary Crown Club, will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Then at 3 p.m., Maggie Brantley will take guests through her memoir, “A Hospital in Birmingham,” which tells the story of her challenge of facing childhood cancer. A question-and-answer session will follow.
At 3:30 p.m., guests can participate in a read aloud and meet-and-greet with Laurel-based comedian and digital creator Landon Bryant.
The storytelling activities are included with the $10 general admission to the museum or a MCM-Meridian membership.
On Saturday night, Bryant will be back in the spotlight for an adults-only event, called Chit Chat with Landon Talks, at 6 p.m. A laid-back event, Bryant will share with guests his background in the education field and his becoming a social media influencer through his Southern storytelling. He will also share details about some of his upcoming projects, including work on a book, and engage the audience through a question-and-answer session.
Tickets for Chit Chat with Landon Talks are $25. Guests must be age 16 and older to attend. Tickets will go live on the MCM-Meridian website on Thursday night, and seating is limited. For tickets or more information, visit mschildrensmuseum.org/event/chit-chat-with-landon-talks/.