Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) will once again transform its campus into a hub of imagination, movement, and story-centered magic as it welcomes families to the 17th year of its bi-annual Festival of Tales on Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The beloved, free community event continues to stand as one of the college’s most treasured traditions, inviting children, parents, educators, and neighbors to experience the joyful intersection of literacy, culture, and creative exploration.
“Festival of Tales embodies our commitment to giving every child the gift of literacy, creativity, and the joy of discovery. We are so proud to host an event that reflects who we are and what we value: learning, connection, and opportunity for all,” said Dr. Jana Schwartz, PVCC President.
Sponsors of the events are once again Southwest Human Development, Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development and Phoenix-based law firm Engelman Berger, which is committed to helping clients achieve their goals while staying actively involved in the local community.
A Legacy of Literacy
Festival of Tales began in 2009 with a simple but powerful mission: to bring stories to life and inspire a lifelong love of reading. Seventeen years later, its impact is undeniable. The event has engaged more than 30,000 children and families across Maricopa County and has gifted more than 60,000 books, helping build home libraries one story at a time.
The science behind early literacy underscores the event’s purpose. Research spanning more than three decades shows that 90 percent of a child’s brain develops before age five, and by age three, their brain is twice as active as an adult’s. Reading, singing, talking, and storytelling during these formative years significantly boosts vocabulary, comprehension, and school readiness, laying the foundation for future academic success.
“Festival of Tales is more than a community event; it’s an opportunity to show children and their families that learning can be joyful, imaginative, and shared,” said Meggin Kirk, director of PVCC’s Education program. “Bringing stories to life through performance and hands-on play makes literacy meaningful. It also gives our PVCC students, especially future teachers, valuable experience working directly with children and their families.”
New This Year
This year’s Festival of Tales introduces several new features to enhance the experience while honoring the traditions families look forward to each season. The morning begins with Pastries with the President, an invitation-only VIP welcome reception where community members, donors, leaders, and legislators are invited to mingle and learn more about PVCC’s mission of educational access and community partnership.
A new collaboration with Oasis Church, an active, service-oriented Christian community located in North Phoenix, expands the event’s community outreach and strengthens its family-friendly atmosphere. As part of this partnership, Oasis Church will provide free hot dogs for all attendees, adding to the welcoming, celebratory spirit of the day. This collaboration reinforces PVCC’s belief that literacy and the arts thrive when local organizations come together through shared commitment and community investment.
Visitors will also enjoy a variety of activities throughout the morning, including crafts, outdoor games, interactive stations, live performances, and student-led engagement from PVCC’s Education and Fine Arts programs. A signature favorite, Buxton Library Storytime, returns with lively, movement-based storytelling:
- 10 a.m. – Farmyard Friends: Wiggle, neigh, giggle, and moo through silly barnyard adventures
- 11 a.m. – Bug Bonanza: Buzz, flutter, hop, and creep into buggy tales that won’t sit still
At 11:30 a.m., young readers and aspiring authors will also have a special opportunity to meet Sophie Bernbaum, author of Just Eloise. Bernbaum will read from her book, share her creative and self-publishing journey, and host a Q&A for curious minds of all ages.
In addition, Festival of Tales welcomes Quinto Elemento this year, a contemporary dance company from Puebla, Mexico, whose performance is made possible through PVCC international education and global engagement grants. Following their performance, attendees are invited to join Sara Malan-McDonald for a creative movement session designed to inspire expression through physical storytelling.
Rounding out the lineup, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., PVCC’s Theatre Program will debut The Gift of Time, an original work by North Canyon High School student Heidi Francis, exploring family connection, memory, and the magic found in slowing down.
Whether through story, movement, performance, or play, Festival of Tales continues to uplift the belief that literacy is not merely a skill; it is a shared human experience that opens doors, bridges communities, and ignites imagination. For event details, visit the website.