Since 1989, the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival has been an annual tradition in Orem. But, with the announcement last year that the festival would be moving north to Thanksgiving Point due to its growth and popularity, it seemed that an era had come to an end.

Such a long-held and beloved tradition wasn’t one that Summerfest officials were keen to let slide away. Because Orem is still home to the offices of the Timpanogos Storytelling Institute, and the heritage of the festival was so largely engrained in the fabric of the community, Summerfest will be introducing a night of stories to kick off its week of festivities.

“The Storytelling Festival has been such an integral part of the community for so many years, having started here and being partnered with the city, we thought it would be nice to give a thank you to Orem and recognize the institute and the fact that storytelling is such part of the culture here,” said Wally Harkness, chair of the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival and Summerfest spokesman. “It really should be part of Summerfest.”

The night of storytelling will take place the evening of Monday, June 5, featuring Kevin Kling, award-winning storyteller, author and playwright who has been a frequent guest of the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival over its last 27 years. Because of the contributions from the event sponsors — doTerra and University Place — the event will be free to the public.

“We really want to appeal to all residents of Orem,” Harkness said. “There are so many different people who make up this city that we want to have something that’s available to everyone. I think these storytelling concerts will be an integral part of Summerfest moving forward.”

With the Summerfest committee looking to expand the footprint of the festival, a night of storytelling seemed a perfect fit because of the success previously seen with storytelling concerts in the community.

“If you talked to any of the storytellers, they would say it’s a treat — a gift — to be invited to participate in the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival,” Harkness said. “And we’re glad to have Kevin back here to participate in Summerfest.”

While the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival was a marker of autumn for many Orem residents, Harkness looks forward to this new event helping to mark the beginning of Summer. With Orem’s festival heralded as the “official start of summer,” it’s only appropriate that such a long-standing institution of the city should kick off the growing list of activities available at Summerfest.