We all know the time-honored tradition of gathering around a campfire to tell stories, but this event series’ plan to gather around an ice cream cone is our new favorite thing.
The Yarn is a brand new live storytelling initiative designed to help build community. At each event, guests will hear from their Arkansas neighbors as they hear tales organizers hope will “evoke empathy and challenge the status quo.”
This inaugural season’s lineup will feature storytellers sharing about LGBT and mental and emotional health challenges and experiences. Here’s a look at the schedule:
- Outloud Storytelling: Taking Pride. Taking the Stage
Oct. 11, 7 p.m. – South on Main
- Headstrong: Stories of Mental and Emotional Health
Nov. 10, 7 p.m. – New Deal Salon
- The Ten Minute Play Showcase
March 1, 7 p.m. – Pulaski Tech Performing Arts Center
To get the party started, Loblolly Creamery is helping to launch The Yarn with a week of delicious specials. From Sept. 25 – Oct. 1, any purchase of a special “yarn cone” — a blend of raspberry and green tea — will send $1 to The Yarn. On Sept. 30, a portion of all sales from 5-9 p.m will benefit the organization, then the real party starts from 7-9 p.m.
“We live in a time that can be very isolating and divisive,” The Yarn founder Hilary Trudell said. “We wanted to do something to combat that by creating a space that would bring people together and shed light on important issues affecting our community. The Yarn is about empowerment and connection, and what better place to do our launch than Loblolly? I mean, who can’t connect over ice cream?”
You said it, Hillary.
To learn more about The Yarn’s mission and find event details, check out the organization’s website, and follow along on Facebook for updates.