PHX Reporter

Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is set to host its 15th bi-annual Festival of Tales, a community literacy event aimed at engaging families through storytelling and cultural activities. The event is organized in partnership with Southwest Human Development, Arizona’s largest nonprofit focused on early childhood development. This year's sponsor is the Phoenix-based law firm Engelman Berger.

The festival will take place on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Kranitz Student Center on PVCC’s Union Hills campus in Phoenix. Parking will be free for attendees.

“We believe in the transformative powers of literacy and storytelling to connect, inspire, and educate our surrounding communities,” said Dr. Jana Schwartz, President of PVCC. “The Festival of Tales embodies our commitment to fostering a love for learning, cultural understanding, and creative expression in families and children.”

Since its start in 2009, the Festival of Tales has reached over 30,000 people from Maricopa County and distributed more than 60,000 books to children and their families. The event promotes literacy by offering free books and various enriching activities.

Students from PVCC’s Education program and Fine Arts department contribute by hosting interactive activities and storytelling sessions. The festival has been recognized with awards such as the Diversity Advisory Council Award and the Paul M. Pair Innovation of the Year Award from the Maricopa County Community College District.

Activities planned for this year include interactive storytelling sessions, book walk games, arts & crafts tables, live music performances, theater and dance shows, food trucks, demonstrations by vendors, and more.

“Festival of Tales is one of my favorite events here at PVCC,” said Meggin Kirk, director of PVCC’s Education Program. “Not only does it help develop awareness and understanding for other cultures through storytelling; it often ignites a passion for learning.”

Community members are invited to participate in this celebration of literacy and culture. Volunteers are also welcome to help make this event successful. For further information or inquiries about volunteering opportunities contact meggin.kirk@paradisevalley.edu or call 602-787-6659.