Welcome to the Troupe of Tall Tale Tellers
“Where truth may falter, the story stands taller — and everyone goes home a little richer for hearing it.”
The Sazerac Lying Club: Comstock Tall Tales Competition is reviving the art of telling stories and tales for everyone's entertainment. This competition hopes to bring Nevadans together in Virginia City to share their best lies amongst their community. The Comstock has never been shy about its relationship with the truth. In the mining days, facts were often optional, but a good story was mandatory. Whether told at the Sazerac Saloon, printed in The Territorial Enterprise, or spun in a boardinghouse after shift, stories defined how this place saw itself.
Bring your family, friends, and the best fable writers you know to enjoy a night of cheer and legends.
About Our Event
The Sazerac Lying Club: Comstock Tall Tales Competition revives that living art — the telling of stories so big, so heartfelt, and so humor-rich that they capture the Nevada spirit.
In partnership with the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture, Storey County Chamber of Commerce, Virginia City Tourism Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Nevada Main Street, this event invites storytellers of all ages to take the stage at Piper’s Opera House and keep alive the proud Comstock tradition of stretching the truth until it shines.
We hope you will join us in the fine tradition of telling stories and merriment.
If you would like to participate in the festivities and try telling some tall tales yourself, please email info@sazeraclyingclub.com
Tickets
• Single Ticket: $15 (includes 1 voting poker chip)
• Six-Pack: $75 (includes 6 chips)
•Extra Chips: $5 each or $25 for six
Come where history meets hyperbole — and the truth takes the night off.
Categories & Participation
Divisions:
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Greenhorn Division (Ages 12–17)
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Must have signed parental consent; parent/guardian present during performance. Youth may perform from memory, cue cards, or tell collaborative tales (duo or group of 2–3). Focus: imagination, humor, and learning the ropes. “Greenhorn” was a classic Comstock term for newcomers—eager, raw, and ready for adventure.
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High Roller Division (Ages 18–64)
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Open to residents, workers, and friends of the Comstock. Stories should have a creative tie to Storey County or Nevada life. “High Roller” was frontier slang for risk-takers, gamblers, and storytellers who bet their reputation on a good yarn.
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Old Sourdough Division (Ages 65 and up)
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Encouraged to blend memory and mischief—reflections, ghosts, and lessons told tall. “Sourdough” was a badge of honor among old miners and prospectors—those seasoned by time, hard work, and just enough whiskey to remember it fondly.
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Time Limit: 3 minutes maximum. A loud buzzer will signal at 3:00; continued talking beyond 4:00 minutes results in disqualification.
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Guests vote for their favorite storyteller by dropping chips into labelled jars. Votes convert to audience-engagement points; the highest totals influence overall scores.
Judging & Awards Structure
Awards:
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The Joseph T. Goodman Quill Award
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Honors the Territorial Enterprise editor who first mentored Mark Twain, representing sharp wit and literary craft.
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The Mark Twain Silver Tongue Award
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For the performer whose delivery and humor most embody Comstock showmanship.
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The Ron James Heritage Cup
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For the story best grounded in historical spirit and place, weaving fact and folklore.
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Comstock Laureate Medallions
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Awarded to each division winner (Greenhorn, High Roller, Old Sourdough).
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Grand Comstock Laureate of Tall Tales
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The overall annual winner represents the living legacy of Nevada’s frontier storytelling tradition.
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Five scoring areas (10 points each; 50 total):
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Originality & Creativity
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Connection to Storey County
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Delivery & Style
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Audience Engagement
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Timing (under 3 minutes)
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