Volunteer slots open for adults, youth at Madison Street

Volunteers from The Brook church hand out programs as visitors unload the shuttle at the 2012 Madison Street Festival. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The community’s largest event, the Madison Street Festival, will unfold on Oct. 5, and practically anyone can volunteer to help with the party.

Volunteerism “is what makes Madison Street Festival so great,” Misty Merschat said. Merschat is chairperson for volunteers and festival secretary.

Before the festival starts, 12 volunteers are needed around 6:30 a.m. to assist vendors and with traffic. Another 12 people can help in the arts and crafts area.

Parade lineup will require 10 people. Artist Alley will need 2 volunteers for setup and 4 as greeters. Other volunteer openings are greeters, 20; shuttle bus greeters, 8; Children’s Area, 20; exhibits and demonstrations, 4; and Hospitality Tent throughout the day, 10.

After the festival, volunteers will clean up at 4:30 p.m.

Merschat said the main tasks are helping children with crafts, distributing programs, setting up performance stages, helping vendors unload vehicles, directing traffic, cleaning trash and collecting ballots for Artist Alley. “We recruit volunteers of any age and skill level,” she said.

Time slots for volunteers range from two to four hours, allowing time to enjoy the festival with family and friends.

“Every committee member has volunteered their time and energy to plan the festival. Countless hours of coordination happen behind the scenes year-round to ensure the festival is a success,” Merschat said.

All committee members live and work in Madison or surrounding communities. “We have a vested interest to make sure the festival is enjoyed by all and that the proceeds from the festival are reinvested back into the community,” she said.

Young volunteers can request an acknowledgment letter from the festival for school applications.

In addition, civic groups have adopted areas to recruit volunteers. “And friends can sign up together,” Merschat said.

“We appreciate Bob Jones and James Clemens JROTC cadets for keeping the festival parking running smoothly and our festival cleaned up last year,” Merschat said. “We’re very lucky to have such dedicated young people.”

To volunteer, visit madisonstreetfestival.org and click “Volunteers” and then click “Sign Up Now.”