As Jean Embry told the story of Brer Rabbit's encounter with the Tar Baby, her young audience watched intently.
She used her whole body to show the children how Brer Rabbit got his arms and legs stuck inside the creature made by Brer Fox.
"I've been telling stories since I was young," said Ms. Embry, a psychology professor at Paine College who participated in the Earth Fare Winter Kids Fest to benefit Golden Harvest Food Bank on Dec. 29.
Ms. Embry said she always had to outdo the tall tales her uncle told her when she was growing up.
"I had an uncle with a peg leg who would baby-sit," said Ms. Embry who has published a book of poems and short stories, The First Piece of the Puzzle.
Most of her stories, such as the tale of a monkey who wanted to fly, have a moral. He was allowed to fly on the back of a bird, but he had to keep his mouth shut. When he exclaimed that he was flying, he fell to the ground.
While Ms. Embry took a break from telling stories, children at the Winter Kids Fest had a chance to make wintry crafts, including paper snowmen and cut-out snowflakes. Supplies also were available to make Valentine's Day cards to be used as table decorations at the Masters Table soup kitchen, which is run by Golden Harvest.
The event was just one of several to provide awareness and funds for the food bank.
"Every month we have a friend of Earth Fare," said Heather Parker, the community coordinator. "We partner with local charities."
Earth Fare opened Nov. 14.
Mini-concerts by Patrick Blanchard and Armen Boyajian also brought awareness and donations to the food bank.
"It's been a real great partnership," said Carrie Jones, the food bank's event coordinator.
Though the events were free, patrons could make a contribution to the food bank.
January's friend of Earth Fare will be Columbia County Cares.
Reach Charmain Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.
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