Last September, the tents were up and businesses were getting ready for the annual National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough. At The Opposum’s Tale, a local pub, Elena Gonzales had filled freezers with pre-cooked food, ready to be defrosted. Down the street at McLeod Organics, Thomas McLeod had stocked up on supplies, anticipating an influx of customers. 

The festival is a big deal in Jonesborough. It’s been going strong since it began on a farm wagon…