MOREHEAD — One of the world’s oldest art forms will be in the limelight this month at Cave Run Lake when top storytellers gather for the annual Cave Run Storytelling Festival.

The seven tellers, all nationally renowned, will spin their tales in large tents near the shores of Cave Run Lake on Sept. 28 and 29.

It is the 14th year of the festival, considered by tellers to be one of the top three in the nation, said festival coordinator Carolyn Franzini.

The festival is a reminder of the valuable place storytelling has had throughout human history and in Appalachian culture particularly, according to Franzini.

“Before the days of technology people entertained themselves and their families with stories,” she said.

Storytelling also was integral to education, “teaching children lessons in a very palatable way,” she said.

The storytellers featured at the festival are highly accomplished at their craft, she said. They include:

Len Cabral, who blends personal stories with traditional folk tales. He has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival and the Smithsonian Institution.

Gay Ducey, who weaves Southern Appalachian culture and tradition into her stories. She has performed at the Smithsonian and teaches her craft at the University of California at Berkeley.

Kala Jojo, whose stories address themes of cultural diversity, healing and conflict resolution.

Kevin Kling, a humorist and author as well as a storyteller who has been a regular contributor on NPR’s “All Things Considered.”

Bill Lepp, award-winning as a storyteller, author and recording artist.

Rafe Martin, who has written more than 20 books and tells stories based on his observations of people, animals and his surroundings.

Clare Murphy, the festival’s first international storyteller, who comes from Ireland and employs a theatrical approach to her craft. She has performed at the National Storytelling Festival and throughout the United States, the United Kingdom and Newfoundland.

Cabral, Kling and Lepp all are making repeat appearances at the festival.

The festival is patterned after the Jonesboro, Tenn., Storytelling Festival, which was established more than 30 years ago and defined storytelling as a modern entertainment medium and helped launch a number of similar festivals, Franzini said.

The festival site is a complex of large tents at the Twin Knobs Recreation Area at the lake. There is general seating, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating.

There is ample parking nearby and the grounds are handicap accessible; camping is available and within walking distance.

Stories begin at 9:45 a.m. both days. Evening performances begin at 7 both days. Saturday night is ghost story night and features Mary Hamilton of Frankfort.

Morehead State Public Radio will bring the Storymobile and attendees may record their stories there and receive a complimentary CD and photo.

Weekend tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students 6 to 18. Family rate for up to six members is $75. Day passes are $20 for adults and $10 for students. The family rate is $50 per day.

Evening tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Children 5 and younger are free. Tickets bought before Sept. 12 are eligible for discount pricing.

Tickets are available at the Morehead Tourism Commission at the Morehead Conference Center, 111 E. First St., or by calling (606) 780-4342 or toll free at (800) 654-1944.

Tickets also will be available at the gate.

MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2652.