Less than a month away, the 30th annual International Children’s Festival is already revving up its monolithic engine and asking community volunteers to sign up for shifts in various positions.
The festival requires more than 800 volunteers for the five-day event that runs Tuesday, May 31 to Saturday, June 4. It is the largest single block of volunteers needed in its three-decade history.
Volunteer manager Nina Browton explained that because of its landmark year, festival hours were extended into the evening of Wednesday and Thursday with free acts in front of St. Albert Place Plaza and a special showing of Il Circo’s Viaggio in the Arden Theatre.
To attract volunteers, the festival is hosting an orientation meeting on Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m. in the Arden Theatre.
Although some volunteers have already registered online, organizers still need a hefty number of bodies to work as face painters, shuttle drivers, merchandise vendors, ushers, site artists and help with hospitality.
“We ask that volunteers commit to three shifts, but it’s only a guideline,” Browton said.
If three shifts seem like a lot, she gives an example of the face painters. “For every shift we require 40 face painters. It’s no problem on Friday and Saturday. But it’s different during the week and that’s when we have the most kids.”
Anyone wishing to volunteer will receive a festival T-shirt, a lanyard and snacks at the hospitality centre. On Thursday, June 2 a surprise show has been arranged for volunteers and on Saturday, there is a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. “It’s free for volunteers. They can come down, enjoy breakfast and do their shift.”
Browton adds everyone has different reasons for volunteering, all equally good. “Some enjoy being outside. Others enjoy the excitement of young kids. Some kids have heard from their friends that the festival is a lot of fun. Some want to give back to the community and others want to get experience to put on a resume.”
Volunteers must be 12 years of age. Deadline for volunteer registration is Friday, May 20. Volunteers can register online at www.www.childfest.com.
