LAURINBURG —A tall tale and a pocket full of feathers helped one man become Scotland County’s champion of liars.

It was Daimon L. King’s story of a new pet that won him Saturday’s top prize in the 11th Annual Bold Faced Liars’ Showdown.

The event, hosted the Arts Council of Scotland County, was part of the weekend’s SpringFest 2018.

King’s story was about his desire for a new pet, but wanting it to be something other than a cat or dog.

The New Bern man said he decided on a duck that eventually began mimicking King so much so that bird began to talk.

But when King tried to show off his talking duck in public, his pet refused to speak. His efforts eventually landed him in jail.

The inventive story helped King beat last year’s Bold Faced Liar champion Gary Buchanan. One of the prizes for winning the event is to take part in the Storytelling Festival.

“I felt honored and privileged to be selected as the champion,” King said. “I’m looking forward to coming back in the fall to meet more people of the county.”

Rebekah O’Connell of Raleigh won second place and the People’s Choice award with her story of Christmas underwear in the summer. O’Connell will also have the opportunity to come back in the fall for the Storytelling Festival.

“I want to keep storytelling alive by using spoken word, it’s so important to me and this group is wonderful with keeping it alive,” O’Connell said.

Third place winner was Sam Pearsall who told a story about his favorite cat who trained an alligator.

Also participating were reigning champion Gary Buchanan, Richard Lemert, and the only local to compete Lee Anne Venable.

The Bold Faced Liars was part of SpringFest, a joint event put on by the Arts Council of Scotland County, the Laurinburg/Scotland County Chamber of Commerce, the Scotland Memorial Foundation, Scotland County Parks and Recreation, and the city of Laurinburg.

The event brought many members of the community downtown for the different events with something for every age group to enjoy.

“I’m just so thrilled with the turnout, not just for this event but for all of SpringFest,” said Erin Rembert, director for the Arts Council. “We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend … it was great and we can’t wait for next year.”

Katelin Gandee | Laurinburg Exchange Rebekah O’Connell performs her story at the Bold Face Liars Showdown on Saturday.
https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/web1__DSC0799.jpgKatelin Gandee | Laurinburg Exchange Rebekah O’Connell performs her story at the Bold Face Liars Showdown on Saturday.

Katelin Gandee | Laurinburg Exchange First place winner Daimon L. King, second place and people’s choice winner Rebekah O’Connell, and third place winner Sam Pearsall all stand with their trophies.
https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/web1__DSC0940.jpgKatelin Gandee | Laurinburg Exchange First place winner Daimon L. King, second place and people’s choice winner Rebekah O’Connell, and third place winner Sam Pearsall all stand with their trophies.

By Katelin Gandee

Staff reporter

Reach Katelin Gandee at 910-506-3171