The Mark Twain Storytelling Festival will be held the week of June 15-20, 2026 in Columbia, KY.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11TH: There will be a proclamation for Mark Twain Week in Columbia at the Adair County Public Library at 11AM.
MONDAY, JUNE 15TH:
11AM: Unveiling of the mural on the side of the building at the corner of Jamestown Street and South Reed Street. This mural was completed by Lindsey Wilson University (LWU) student, Tezon Mitchell of Greensburg, KY and is sponsored by the Ross family.
Also at 11AM, Jeanie Edwards, wildlife artist from North Carolina, will be doing a brief presentation in the LWU Library.
FRIDAY, JUNE 19TH
5:30PM: Reception in the LWU Slider Auditorium.
6PM: Welcome by Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots, followed by a message from Dr. Robert Brock of Lindsey Wilson University and a presentation by the Arts Administration Program.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH
9AM-12PM: Presentations in V.P. Henry Auditorium.
12PM-2PM: Food trucks at LWU and a Vendor's Fair in the LWU Hodge Center.
2PM-5PM: Presentations in V.P. Henry Auditorium.
6PM: A presentation in the City parking lot off of Fortune Street. Presenting will be local historian, Mike Watson. Food trucks will also be in the area.
Storytellers who will participate include:
- Mike Watson, a historical perspective
- Mary Hamilton, Kentucky Folklore
- Suzanne Bennett as Jane Todd Crawford
- Richard Phelps as Col William Casey
- Darlene Campbell as Jane Lampton Clements
- Robert Brock as Mark Twain
- Ray Mendenhall, Humorist, storyteller, musician
For further information, contact the Columbia Mayor’s Office at (270)-384-6183.
“We hope to make this an annual event for our community,” said Mayor Hoots.
