And the Winners Are... The 2nd Annual Liars Contest Crowns Its Champions!
Where Truth Takes a Holiday and the Best Storytellers Win!
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Floyd, VA – The June Bug Center's Black Box Theatre came alive with laughter and tall tales on Saturday, November 15, 2026, as Let Me Tell Ya! hosted its 2nd Annual Liars Contest. Sixty audience members were treated to an evening of outrageous storytelling as nine contestants competed for prizes and bragging rights.
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The Winners
First Place ($100): Paul Armstrong
Paul Armstrong proved once again that he's earned the title of Best Liar, successfully defending his championship from last year. His winning tale—a humorous and wildly exaggerated story about being asked to tell a Christian parable—had the audience in stitches. While the biblical elements were technically accurate, Paul's creative interpretation... well, as they say, you had to be there!
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Second Place ($50): Joseph Jackson
Newcomer Joseph Jackson made quite an impression with his intriguing and darkly comedic story about Satan taking control of his car and the chaos that ensued. His fresh voice and captivating delivery earned him a well-deserved runner-up position.
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Third Place ($25): John Tillery
John Tillery charmed the audience with a wholesome story about buying his wife flowers and dinner for what he thought was a special occasion—only to discover he'd been celebrating Groundhog's Day. His sweet, relatable tale proved that not all lies need to be outrageous to be entertaining.
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Supporting Our Community
We are deeply grateful to The June Bug Center for providing their beautiful Black Box Theatre as the venue for this wonderful evening of storytelling. Their continued support makes events like the Liars Contest possible, and we were honored to present them with a check for $125 raised through contestant registration fees and ticket sales. It's our small way of saying thank you for their commitment to the arts in our community.
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Door Prizes and Upcoming Events
Audience members had the opportunity to register for door prizes throughout the evening, including a special prize package featuring Karen Eber's The Perfect Story and free registration for the Let Me Tell Ya! Book Club discussion of the book. The book club will meet weekly from Sunday, January 4 through Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
As Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author, praises: "Karen Eber has combined theory and practice to provide us with the ultimate toolbox for narrative excellence. If you're trying to communicate with greater intention and effectiveness, this book is for you."
Want to develop your own tall tale for next year's contest? The Perfect Story Book Club will be a safe and encouraging place to start crafting your story and honing your storytelling skills. Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or just getting started, this is your opportunity to learn the elements of great storytelling in a supportive environment. Register now.
Another excellent resource for aspiring storytellers is the monthly Let Me Tell Ya! meetings, where you can connect with fellow story enthusiasts and continue developing your craft.
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Thank You to Our Sponsors
We extend our sincere gratitude to our corporate sponsors who make events like this possible. Special recognition goes to our Platinum Sponsor, Brogan Insurance. We were also pleased to promote Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival celebrating their 25th year at the annual storytelling festival benefiting Camp Bethel in Fincastle, VA. Mark your calendars for April 17-18, 2026—get your tickets early!
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Mark your calendars! The 3rd Annual Liars Contest will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026. Start crafting your tallest tales now!
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