In the past decade there’s been an explosion in the number of festivals held across the capital region.
Some were highly successful. Others floundered. Last year when Barry Bailey took it upon himself to launch Seven Music Festival, no one knew what to expect.
Would it be a one-hit wonder or the beginnings of a new extravaganza that would put St. Albert on the musical map?
Fortunately for fans that partied at Seven Hills last year, the festival returns on Saturday, July 9.
But Bailey is the first person to admit that volunteers are the festival’s backbone and the driving force behind its success.
This year volunteer co-ordinator Adrienne Schmidt estimates organizers need about 100 volunteers. She is hosting a volunteer sign-up meeting on Wednesday, June 8 at the Akinsdale Community Club House, 36 Alpine Blvd.
Although some positions are already filled, organizers are still looking for front gate ticket sales, ticket processors, information tent assistants and floaters (to give volunteers breaks).
“Stage hands, preferably with some stage work experience would be a big help,” says Bailey who is bringing in a new stage for the event.
Dressing room attendants and backstage door attendants are also required to help safeguard artists’ privacy.
Traffic and parking lot control personnel at Father Jan School are in short supply as well as people to patrol the site perimeter during the concert.
Volunteers can also assist in Thursday’s fence set-up of the site perimeter as well as Sunday’s take-down and cleanup.
“We have to leave the site in the same condition or better than when we found it,” Bailey says.
The Little White Schoolhouse is tagged as the volunteer centre for breaks and snacks. Again a hospitality crew is needed.
Volunteers will be required to fulfil a minimum six-hour shift. Schmidt adds that all volunteers will receive a T-shirt, snacks and beverages.
“We want to make sure everybody is hydrated and fed.”
A mother of young son Eben, she originally trained in audio engineering and worked in film and web production. But as a stay-at-home mom, the working world has taken on a secondary role. The festival is an opportunity to once more get her feet wet.
“Definitely the sense of belonging to something that is bigger than yourself is so fantastic. It feels great to be part of a team pulling off this fantastic event,” Schmidt says.
“I’m just doing my part to make sure the festival is as successful as it can be.”
A volunteer appreciation event will also be hosted later in the summer, possibly in August, Bailey adds.
“So many people are away on holidays in July and we want to make sure as many people as possible can come. They play such a critical role and they are very much appreciated.”
He noted that some spots fill up very quickly.
“If folks are interested they should call sooner rather than later.”
For more information email [email protected] or visit the website at sevenmusicfest.com.
