Storytellers, musicians, living history demonstrators and re-enactors, and specialty acts are all booked and ready to come to Storyfest. The storytellers who will go out into the schools are anxiously awaiting Friday, Nov. 4 to arrive. Tents and folding chairs are ordered, arts and craft and food booth applications are available, wagon parade entry forms are ready. The 5K route has been revised. The church for Sacred Stories has been selected. And the list goes on and on.
Storyfest will have a new event on Friday night this year: “Dobie Dichos,” featuring the stories of J. Frank Dobie. A meal of chili con carne and pan de campo will be the prelude to stories and readings from the works of Dobie, perhaps the most widely-known person to have been born in Live Oak County.
People who attend the event probably do not realize how much work goes into the festival every year. Indeed, the event would not happen at all if it were not for the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm of the Storyfest Board of Directors and volunteers.
This year’s Storyfest Board of Directors officers are Flo Moore, President; Julie Kaase, Vice-President; Cindi Robinson, Secretary/Treasurer. Jim McGee, Melaine Martin, Thad Reagan, and RaDonna Hajek constitute the remainder of the board members. Mary Margaret Campbell serves as Executive Director.
Committee chairpersons are Thad Reagan, Grounds (Bo White, asst.); Diane Reagan, Drinks; Flo Moore and Melaine Martin, Sales and Information; Monte Jennings Food Booths (Cathy Ybanez, asst.); Mackey Alvarez, Stage Manager and Local Storytelling; Denise Garza, Arts and Crafts Booths; Jo Ann Palacios, Hospitality; Ralph Lopez, Stage Manager; Erica Salinas, Children’s Area; Kristy Keach, Texas State Liars’ Contest ©; Glynis Holm, Sacred Stories; Nikki McCain, Community Breakfast; Cindi Robinson, Decorations; Melissa Nance, Living History; Crickett Iley, Red Wagon Parade; RaDonna Hajek, Storytelling in the Schools; Charlie Sims and Jim Guthrie, Classic Car Show; Ann Snuggs, Artwork; Pam Woodmansee, Opening Ceremony; Kathy Moore, 5K Fun Run/Walk; Bill Sibley, Dobie Dichos; David Donaldson, Stage Manager; Dale Cavallin, Electricity; Dwayne Fannin, Photography/Videography; Colton Warren, Assistant Stage Manager; and Molly Young, Assistant Stage Manager.
Storyfest, now in its 23rd year, continues to charge no admission on Saturday. While many festivals that began as free events have turned to charging admission, Storyfest has chosen to remain true to its original purpose: to provide a free, family-oriented storytelling festival for the citizens of George West, Live Oak County, and South Texas.
But, it takes money—donations, sponsorships, and grants—to produce a festival the quality of Storyfest. The community continues to be very generous, as it has from the beginning of the festival, in donations of money, goods, and services. No donation is too small; the Storyfest board and volunteers appreciate whatever individuals and businesses are willing to contribute. Local and area corporations also continue to sponsor the event. Grant funding, however, is down due to the budget woes of our state and nation.
Individuals and businesses interested in contributing to the success of the 23rd Annual George West Storyfest in any way and/or attending any of the festival events are encouraged to visit the festival website www.georgeweststoryfest.com or call (361) 449-2481 for more information.
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