Helping Hands - Bringing a fair of this size to life is a great deal of fun and takes the work of many hands. If you would like to join us in getting it all together - we have volunteer opportunities available! Our volunteers make up a large portion of our working staff who together create a delightful experience for all who attend the Fair. We value and depend on each and every volunteer, as they are an integral part of the production and success of the Fair. We look forward to working with you!
We ask that all volunteers sign up on our Volunteer Form, so that you can tell us a bit yourself and how you wish to help. For those of you who prefer, you can download our Volunteer Flyer to print out.
Thank you in advance for your interest and support! We truly value your time, talent, and enthusiasm!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS:
NOTE: Walk in volunteers will not be accepted unless they have participated in volunteer orientation and training.
Volunteer Training
All volunteers must attend both a Volunteer Orientation Session and a separate training session for the job you will be doing. These meetings will provide you with all the necessary details of the Fair and allow you to meet with other volunteers and the Fair Staff. Attending the training is vital to a volunteer's understanding of his/her role(s) during the fair, security, and other logistics that are instrumental to the success of the fair. We will announce these meetings as they are scheduled.
Volunteer Attendance
We truly rely on each person's commitment as a participating volunteer and value your service! Thank you! Please arrive 15 minutes before your assigned time as timeliness is crucial to maintaining organization! If for any reason you cannot fulfill your volunteer duties, or you have a schedule change, please contact Betty as soon as possible. We will distribute a cell number to call during fair hours and set up times.
VOLUNTEER BENEFITS:
We value you as our volunteer! Thank you for the gift of your time. Together we will create an event that is successful for all who attend, be they vendor or volunteer, teacher, student or shopper. As our valued volunteer, you will receive:
- A Fair T-Shirt
- Free Admission for each day that you work a shift
- Pre Fair volunteers will receive pre-registration for workshops
- To meet new friends and kindred spirits
- Experience two ways:
A behind the scenes experience of the Fair
Why not try something new and STRETCH your resume?!
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS:
Audience Services includes everything audience related – FairWear Sales, Greeters, General Fair and Community Information, Lost & Found.
DIY Modeling We are looking for all shapes and sizes ("real people") to walk through the Fair wearing garments made by those who enter the DIY Fashion Show. Basic information about the garment materials and construction will be provided. All you need to do is smile pretty and walk with your head held high amongst the audience at the Fair.
Exhibit Docents assist with exhibit installation pre-Fair and dismantling post Fair. During the Fair you will greet visitors, give an overview of the exhibit, and answer questions (or direct question to someone who can answer). No prior specialized knowledge requested. You will have a paper guide to work from. Docents also wear white gloves so that only they may handle work to show to visitors.
Market Concierge These special people will be responsible go-to people in each Vendor Marketplace area and under the direction of our Vendor Services Coordinator. Pre-Fair you’ll be responsible for assisting with vendor check-in, collection of last minute information, forms and Member Gift items. Post Fair you’ll be responsible for check-out duties. During the Fair you’ll be asked to continually monitor marketplace conditions, answer general questions from vendors and guests and other duties as assigned by the Vendor Services Coordinator.
Workshop Registration/Concierge under the direction of our Workshop Coordinator you will assist with teacher and student sign-ins, classroom set-ups, and on-site class registrations. Once your duties are completed you will become a ‘floater’ for a shift – to fill in where needed.
Volunteer Hospitality will be hosts in our Volunteer Lounge as well as serve as escorts for Guild Demonstration representatives.
Pre-Fair includes packaging for mailings
Post Fair as needed
Set-up includes helping set up public areas and signage, preparing vendor and teacher packets, escorting vendors to assigned spaces the first time
Take Down or help break down the Fair general common areas and pack up FairWear for another year.
Thank you, we appreciate you and look forward to working with you!
Betty, Volunteer Coordinator
Carol, President, Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair
And the Fair Staff
Volunteers can expect from Fair Staff:
To be valued & treated as a co-worker
To be given an assignment that takes into account personal experience, education & knowledge
To know as much as possible about the Fair and the Fair community
To receive clear guidance and direction for Fair committee leaders
To be supported by Fair staff when needed
To receive recognition for a job well done!
Fair Staff can expect Volunteers:
To know that you are here to help wholeheartedly
To accept rules, they are there for a reason
To ask questions about things that you don’t understand
To be willing to learn
To be dependable, follow through with you time commitment, and complete work in a timely manner
To be a team player, treat everyone courteously & respectfully, and to be flexible in unforeseen situations
To present yourself in a courteous manner to Fair guests.
