BUCKHANNON — The return of the Gray Barker Liars Contest will celebrate the art of stretching the truth.

Buckhannon’s own Gray Barker was a writer known for making a business out of telling some larger-than-life tales about the Men in Black and UFOs in West Virginia. The contest will again be hosted by James Froemel (three-time winner, WV’s Biggest Liar) and headlined by Bil Lepp (five-time winner, WV’s Biggest Liar).

This will be an epic night to remember!

Come see these champion storytellers, and also sign up to compete in the competition, if you’ve got an epic lie to share! Your tale could be worth $100 and some awesome bragging rights.

Contestants will need a 5-7 minute, family-friendly story that can be told from memory. Space is limited, and pre-registration is recommended.

Contact info@ART26201.com to reserve your tickets now! You can’t afford to miss this event!

To participate in the Liars Contest, you may apply at: https://graybarkerliarscontest.wufoo.com/forms/gray-barker-liars-contest-registration/

Event details:

Location: Colonial Arts Center
48 E. Main St.
Buckhannon, WV 26201
Date: June 16, 2023
Time: 7 PM
Cost: $10 for Adult Tickets, Free for Students and Artists

This event is made possible in part by financial assistance from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts, and additional financial assistance provided by FirstEnergy Foundation.

About Bil Lepp:

West Virginia Wesleyan College alumnus Bil Lepp is an award-winning, hilarious storyteller, author, recording artist, and champion liar. He’s the host of the History Channel’s Man Vs History series, the occasional host of NPR’s internationally syndicated Mountain Stage, and a contributing columnist to the Charleston Gazette-Mail.

Bil’s humorous, family-friendly tall-tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life. Lepp’s entertaining stories often contain morsels of truth which present universal themes in clever and witty ways. Audiences all across the country, from grade schools to corporations to Comedy Central’s Hudson stage, have been delighted by
Bil’s mirthful tales and delightful insights into everyday life.

Bil’s books and audio collections have won awards including the PEN Steven Kroll Award for Children’s Book Writing, Parents’ Choice Gold awards, and awards from the National Parenting Publications Association, and the Public Library Association. He is also the recipient of the Vandalia Award, West Virginia’s highest folk honor.

About ART26201:
ART26201 is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “celebrate and promote the creative and inspirational opportunities in the Buckhannon community.” For more information about ART26201 projects, and for ways to provide financial or volunteer support, email info@ART26201.com or visit their website at www.ART26201.com.