Big Fibbers to make their return to Rome this month

Lying in God’s house is usually frowned upon, but for one night at least, it’s something that’s highly encouraged. The jokingly named “241st” annual Big Fibbers Contest is taking place March 17, at Trinity United Methodist Church.

In all seriousness, it’s the third annual Big Fibbers Storytelling Festival, which runs from March 17-19 in the Martha King Auditorium at the church. The festival is packed with competitions, workshops and performances, and the Saturday night showcase is the headline event at 8 p.m.

There will also be events at schools March 15-16, and a Meet the Tellers reception will be held March 16 at the Chieft ains Museum/ Major Ridge home from 5-7 p.m.

Terrell Shaw, president of the Ridge & Valley Storytelling Guild, is looking forward to hearing the tall tales at this year’s event.

“It’s wonderful. It’s always a lot of fun,” he says.

The St. Patrick’s Day contest currently has a dozen competitors from three states slated to bestow their hilarious fabrications on their eager audience. There are still a few spots left for those wanting to get in on the action, Shaw said.

Contestants will be judged by a panel on their creativity, technique, story development and effectiveness. The tales are required to be between three and eight minutes. The stories are aimed to be humorous concoctions.

Tickets are $10 for the 7 p.m. event March 17, with Festival Passes purchased in advance going for $25 and $35 for passes purchased at the door. Competitors will receive festival swatches, a $70 value, for free admission to all five festival performances.