Beaver Tales
Beaver’s Unique Storytelling Event Returns – Friday, September 19, 2025
7:00 pm at The Gazebo (Irvine Park)
The Beaver Area Heritage Foundation, The Miller Family Foundation, and the Beaver Women’s Club are proud to present the return of the widely acclaimed annual Beaver Tales Storytelling Festival. This year’s diverse lineup of storytellers will once again connect our community to the wider world through stories that celebrate culture, humor, and shared humanity.
At 12:30 p.m., join us for a Lunch, Listen, and Laugh event at the Beaver Area Memorial Library. Reservations are required—please call the library at (724) 775-1132 to learn more.
Throughout the festival, our storytellers will also be visiting local elementary schools and the Beaver Library, delighting students with performances that spark imagination and bring stories to life.
The festival culminates in a special evening performance at the gazebo in Irvine Park (with College Square School as the inclement-weather location). Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy a free, family-friendly event featuring these nationally and internationally acclaimed storytellers.
This Year’s Storytellers
RACHEL ANN HARDING – Performing at College Square Elementary and Irvine Park
Rachel Ann Harding is a traditional storyteller with a deep love for folk, myth, and timeless tales. She is the creator and producer of the StoryStory Podcast, a vibrant showcase of traditional storytellers from around the globe. Her performances bring to life the wonder and wisdom of story, captivating audiences of all ages. In 2018, she was honored as a featured teller at the Exchange Place of the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN. Rachel Ann believes that fairy tales aren’t just for children—they’re nourishment for the soul at every age.
Learn more: rachelannharding.com
JAMES FROEMEL – Performing at the Beaver Library and Irvine Park
James Froemel is a West Virginia–based storyteller, actor, and improviser whose original tales blend humor, heart, and a splash of tall-tale charm. A graduate of the WVU School of Theatre & Dance (with an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration), he was selected to perform at the 2025 National Storytelling Festival. A four-time champion of the “West Virginia’s Biggest Liar” contest, James also performs with West Virginia Public Theatre, appeared onstage with Greenbrier Valley Theatre and the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and has taught improv workshops as a core member of the Fearless Fools Comedy Team.
Learn more: jamesfroemel.com
JUDI TAROWSKY – Performing at New Brighton Elementary and Irvine Park
Judi Tarowsky is a West Virginia storyteller whose repertoire includes historical pieces, tall tales, ghost stories, and Celtic and Appalachian folklore. A former newspaper reporter and past president of the West Virginia Storytelling Guild, she has shared her stories at festivals and venues across the region and abroad, including stages in Wales. Judi is also known for her imaginative “Fringe” performances, such as her original tale The Girl Who Saved the Bees, told without props or effects—just the power of story.
Learn more: tellerjuditarowsky.com
JOE WOS – Performing at Rochester Elementary and Irvine Park
Joe Wos is a nationally touring storyteller who has been captivating audiences for over 35 years with a blend of humor, heart, and live illustration. His performances bring folktales, fables, and original stories to life in a way that engages all ages. Joe has appeared at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN, and at festivals across the country. In addition to his storytelling, he is the founder of ToonSeum: Pittsburgh’s Museum of Cartoon Art, a published maze illustrator with a Guinness World Record, and a teaching artist who shares his passion for creativity nationwide.
Learn more: mazetoons.wixsite.com