In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter sits down with Mary Margaret Campbell, founder of the Dobie Dichos storytelling event. Together, they dive into the unique storytelling culture of Texas festivals, celebrating folklore, the legacy of J. Frank Dobie, and how storytelling can be the heart of any event. Campbell shares her insights from running Dobie Dichos and the historic George West Story Fest, explaining how stories bridge generations, teach cultural values, and bring communities together.

Key Points:

[0:00] - The Importance of Storytelling in Festivals

Mary Margaret explains the Dobie Joes festival, a Texas event dedicated to honoring the famous folklorist J. Frank Dobie.

[3:15] - Origins and Legacy of J. Frank Dobie

Details about Dobie’s contributions to Texas folklore and the mission behind Dobie Joes in preserving his work.

[10:37] - Building Community through Storytelling

Campbell discusses George West Story Fest and how it began as a small gathering, growing into an event with thousands, showcasing storytelling, cowboy music, and a Texas Liar’s Contest.

[16:54] - Memorable Guests at Dobie Joes

From local historians to famous authors, Dobie Joes has hosted storytellers like Paulette Giles, author of News of the World, and Lonesome Dove screenwriter Bill Wittliff.

[24:42] - Incorporating Storytelling into Any Event

Mary Margaret shares tips on using storytelling to engage festival audiences of all ages, even in non-storytelling-themed events, such as holiday festivals.

[30:55] - Tips for Creating a Storytelling Festival

From themes to music, she outlines the steps to weave storytelling into festivals and create a welcoming environment for all.

Quotable Moments:

[2:02] “If it weren’t for J. Frank Dobie, much of the folklore of Texas and the Southwest would have been lost.” — Mary Margaret Campbell

[5:26] “Stories help us see how other people think about life… and maybe understand ourselves better.” — Mary Margaret Campbell

[25:08] “You don’t want to just ‘dump’ storytelling into a festival; bring it in gradually and see where it resonates.” — Mary Margaret Campbell

Storytelling brings a festival to life, connects audiences, and preserves cultural history. Whether through a dedicated storytelling event like Dobie Joes or as an addition to any festival, these narratives spark engagement and community. Ready to add some storytelling magic to your event? Subscribe to Festival Soup and join us next week for more insights and expert advice.