Red Fox storytelling event starts Friday

Musicians, poets and storytellers are invited to an open mic night Friday as the second annual Red Fox Storytelling Festival gets underway in Pound.

Come spin a yarn or pick a tune in downtown Pound, starting at 6 p.m.

Along with live storytelling, also on tap tonight is movie night under the tent at the Historical Society of The Pound, where they will hold a screening of two videos of storytelling performances important to Pound and the region.

From 7-7:30 p.m. will be the showing of “True Lies,” a video of the play performed by Pound High School students about the Edith Maxwell murder case that brought international attention to Pound and Wise County.

From 7:30-9 p.m. is the screening of “Red Fox/Second Hanging,” a video of Appalshop's Roadside Theater presentation. This video features the original cast of Roadside actors Frank Taylor, Don Baker and the late Gary Slemp telling the story of M.B. "Doc" Taylor, known as The Red Fox, and the Killing Rock event that happened right there on the Red Fox Trail.

Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase at the screenings.

Saturday morning opens with a hike at the Red Fox Trail and the Chasing the Red Fox 5K race. Race registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Cumberland Mountain Fur, Fish and Game Association, 12335 Potter Town Road, at the lower end of the Red Fox Trail. Race time is at 10 a.m.

Join in the fun of this unique event with carved animals placed along the trail. Call or text Debbi Hale at 276/870-3479.

Hikers can enjoy a walk led by Phil Meeks with Wise County Cooperative Extension.

Activities return downtown at the historical society starting at noon, with a lineup of storytellers and musicians to entertain throughout the afternoon.

Featured storytellers and musicians include:

• 12:30-1 p.m. — Storyteller Nancy Smith, Austin and a Civil War prison.

• 1-1:30 p.m. — Storyteller Sarah Hopton, Red Fox the Mystic.

• 1:30-2 p.m. — Break, order meals.

• 2-2:30 p.m. — Music by Strawberry Jam.

• 2:30-3 p.m. — Storyteller and author Oakley Dean Baldwin, Aftermath of Killing Rock.

• 3-3:30 p.m. — Music by Pierceton Hobbs.

• 3:30-4 p.m. — Storyteller Royce Mullins, The Fleming Brothers.

• 4-5 p.m. — Storyteller Pamela Gilmer, Edith Maxwell, Accused Killer and Media Darling.