Submitted by Wilma Allen
Friends of the Library
Communication Chair
www.fernandinafol.org
September 14, 2015 7:34 a.m.
Nassau County is home to some fascinating characters for sure, and you’ll meet seven of them on stage at the 2nd annual Amelia Island Story Slam, September 25 at St. Peters Church, a rollicking benefit to help furnish the ‘new’ Fernandina Beach Library.
This year’s program, “I’ll Never Forget…” features some of Nassau County’s best tale tellers, says Arlene Filkoff, last year’s winner and this year’s Master of Ceremonies. Competitors are: Dickie Anderson, Carey Dresser, John Drew, Neil Frink and Diana Herman. All are already hard at work refining their wording and delivery to win the hearts and most importantly, the votes of the audience.
Subjects include a New York stage debut, a real American hero, the first black pogie fishing captain, a last dance, and a remembrance of things forgotten. According to the rules, stories can be funny, poignant, astonishing or somewhere in between, but they can’t be too long. Strict time limits will be enforced by local violinist and violin maker, Will Howery, who will issue musical warnings on one of his handmade violins.
Following the presentations, audience members will vote with cash for their favorite stories and help the Friends of the Library (FOL) raise the final $180,000 needed to meet its $1.2 million campaign goal for the improved Library that opened in May. The winner gets bragging rights and “Fern and Dina,” the coveted dolphin statue, until the 2016 winner is chosen.
The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. at Burns Hall, St. Peter’s Church, 801 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, with a gourmet hors d’oeuvres reception sponsored by LULU’s Restaurant. There is a cash bar and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets, $50 each, are available at fernandinaFOL.org and the Fernandina Beach Library, 25 N 4th Street, Fernandina Beach. Tickets are going fast and last year’s Slam was a sell out, so don’t miss out. Get your tickets today.