Drawing on the old and cherished tradition of storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, storytelling has expanded to include pioneer stories and other folktales from various tellers who love the craft.

Storytellers will take the Heritage Plaza Stage throughout both days of the festival.

Dakota Davis a senior at Manti High School, was unsure of himself when he started high school. In spite of that, he wanted to try theater, speech and debate. He gained enough confidence that he became part of the 2015 Regional first place award-winning Manti High School drama competition.

Amberle Hammer is noted for her skill in drama. She’s a senior at Manti High School, lives in Manti, and has read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. During this second year as a Scandinavian Festival storyteller, she plans to hold the audience spellbound.

Rebecca Remmer is a 17-year-old Manti High School senior who lives in Ephraim. Rebecca’s always had a heart for stories, whether it be in the form of reading, writing, or story-telling. Her cousin said she could listen to Rebecca forever, because she has a voice for stories. A first time teller at the Scandinavian Festival, Rebecca is excited to share her story-telling talents.

Birkley Ross is Manti High School’s drama Sterling Scholar for 2015. She loves to read, write and tell stories. Her favorite classes and hobbies are drama, speech, yearbook, newspaper, Upward Bound, CAP Team, poetry, creative writing and improv. She lives in Ephraim.

Hannah Valentine, a first time Scandinavian Festival storyteller, is an accomplished artist who loves listening to music. A senior at Manti High School, she lives in Ephraim and looks forward to entertaining listeners with her stories.

Shirley Bahlmann has been delighting audiences for years through her writing and storytelling. She developed a passion for words early in life. Not only did she hide in the closet to read books in peace, she wrote her first novel at the age of 10. She plans to illustrate her stories with puppets this year.

Michael Bahlmann, a 15-year-old, is returning to the festival for the fifth year. No stranger to the stage, he won the Farm Bureau Talent Find contest at four years old, sang solos in a children’s choir and has performed in high school plays.

Barrett Haughton will combine his storytelling with the art of magic. He has been performing magic for about six years and is the winner of last year’s storytelling competition. His other venues include Ephraim Library, Snow College and friendly gatherings. (Warning: no children under 15 unless accompanied by an adult.)