First published in  Lonely Goat Print Magazine Volume III - #1

Mama K's Festival Tips
by Karen Pepe-Delage (January, 2000)

So you say you would like to go to the many festivals coming up this Spring and Summer, but your budget just won't allow it? Why not volunteer? This is an easy and welcomed solution to your cash shortage and a blessing to those folks who put the festivals together. I've done this myself and it is an interesting and inciteful way to attend these joyful get-togethers for music lovers and kind revellers of all ages. It is a good idea to make your plans early in the year in order to get your name on the list of volunteer hopefuls, and also to learn what is expected of you.

Some of the well established festivals such as Merlefest start their volunteer lists around December and are on a first come - first served basis. These lists fill quickly, so start calling early. Other festivals are more casual about their volunteer lists. An example of this would be Hookahville, where in the Fall they were still recruiting at the festival itself and paying seven dollars an hour too!

Which brings me to another point. Different festivals have differing requirements and most require that you work at least four hours each day you plan to attend. This is not bad, considering you still have ample time to fit in some serious celebrating. Your duties usually consist of helping to park cars, checking wrist bands, collecting tickets, distributing trash bags, or festival check-in. Most festivals will provide food and drink for you while you are on duty or allow a stipend for these expenses.

Volunteering is a great way to get to know the people who put the event together and it gives you a greater appreciation for the hard work that goes on behind the scenes of these worderfull happenings. The organizers will really appreciate your efforts and you will be able to attend more events, even if your wallet is a litte thin.

For more information on volunteering, just call the number on any advertisement or flyer you may have received about the event. From there someone is usually able to point you in the direction of the volunteer coordinator.

Most festivals have built in safety measures to insure that a volunteer doesn't flake on his or her scheduled hours. For example, Hookahville and Suwannee Springfest require that you buy your ticket up front and are then reimbursed after you complete your shift. If you are a returning volunteer though, you can sometimes waive the upfront cost by reputation. You sometimes go home with a free T-shirt too! Well worth the effort.