True Stories, Told Live at Biscayne National Park Story Slam

Biscayne National Park celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with the park’s first-ever Story Slam event on Saturday March 24 at the park’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center overlooking Biscayne Bay.

Eleven local storytellers will share true, personal stories (average length: 6 minutes) with a “water” theme before a live audience and a panel of judges. Gabriela Fernandez, host of the Moth’s Miami Story Slam, will emcee the event starting at 7:00 PM and the winning storytellers will go home that night with cash prizes.

The event is open to the public, free of charge, with a campfire, a telescope, and s’mores for the kids. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to settle in and enjoy the show!

                                What – Biscayne National Park Story Slam

                                When – Saturday March 24, 2018 at 7:00 PM

                                Where – Dante Fascell Visitor Center, 9700 SW 328 Street, Homestead FL 33033

The Story Slam is one of a series of free events sponsored by the South Florida National Parks Trust (SFNPT) and supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Knight Arts Challenge in celebration of Biscayne’s 50^th anniversary in 2018.

Biscayne National Park was established in 1968 after local conservationists campaigned to protect Biscayne Bay from development. As the largest marine park in the National Park System, the park today protects 173,000 acres of mangrove forests, shallow bay waters, secluded islands and coral reefs – all within sight of downtown Miami.

To mark its golden anniversary, the park plans to showcase Biscayne’s beauty and biodiversity, its history and cultural heritage through a series of arts-driven events that reach new audiences and connect local artists to Miami’s national park, including:

• Four original art exhibitions highlighting the work of established and emerging local artists inspired by the park. Each show will include a reception with live music, light refreshments, and artist demonstrations and/or talks.

• Two outdoor concerts on Biscayne Bay featuring sea shanties, nautical music, and songs and stories inspired by America’s national parks.

• The Biscayne Story Slam – true stories told by members of the South Florida community in a competition for cash prizes.

• Five Family Fun Fest events for kids that highlight park history through the arts.

• Here’s a complete list of the park’s anniversary events and activities.

Biscayne’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration is one of 43 projects funded this year through the Knight Arts Challenge in Miami. The Knight Arts Challenge seeks to fund projects that unite South Florida through the arts.

Additional support for Biscayne’s 50^th Anniversary comes from the Guerra Family Foundation and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners.