Bonfire Storytelling is celebrating its third anniversary this weekend with BARNFire, a three-day festival-style event in the Chico area.
The celebration will feature over 50 storytellers. Each will share a personal story built around the theme of “THREE.”
Host and creator Bonnie Pipkin said one of the most meaningful parts of Bonfire has been helping people shape stories for the stage.
“I always thought it was really special and magical and connecting to hear people's stories," Pipkin said. "But to actually be the person who receives the story and helps the person actualize the story has been more powerful than I could have imagined."
Pipkin said Bonfire’s growth didn’t happen instantaneously. She said the series has built trust over time by welcoming people of different ages and backgrounds.
“I am a person who has a big capacity for holding space for people from different walks of life and different ages and experiences, and I think just the fact that the work has been consistent has really made it grow,” Pipkin said.
Usually, Bonfire events feature first-time storytellers, but this anniversary edition will feature previous participants. Pipkin said that means she’ll be able to take on a different role since many of the performers already know the process.
The event has found an audience that continues to support the series.
Pipkin said Bonfire started as the world was coming out of the isolating COVID-19 pandemic. The need to connect helped the event find a loyal audience.
“I think it really tapped into something that the community didn't know that it needed,” Pipkin said. “I think that there's something simple and deep about storytelling.”
Pipkin is enjoying the success but still feels a responsibility to keep the show fresh and vibrant. It’s rewarding work, she said.
“An event like this feels essential, because it is community-spirited, it is about connection and sharing, and I also put a lot of care into representation,” Pipkin said
The anniversary BARNFire event runs June 12-14 and features a rotating series of performances, with every ticket providing entry to two distinct sets with different line-ups.
The event will be held at a private barn, with details sent to ticket holders before the show.
Attendees are encouraged to bike or carpool. Parking is $7 unless there are at least four people in the vehicle.
