Riverfest Volunteers

Thousands gathered at the river this past weekend for three days of fun and entertainment. But, Riverfest would not be possible without the generous help of thousands of volunteers. We send out a big thank you by taking a look at the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Jennifer McConser Riverfest Media Chair "Theres four staff members. Two of them are part time. 160 committee members that work year long and then over 3000 volunteers." Its those volunteers that make it all happen. Before the stages are torn down and the trash picked up, the planning begins. "Its a year of planning. We will probably start next week having our one on ones and getting everything organized for next years festival." And then one week before, its crunch time. "It takes us at least a week to set it up." "Thats eight days of set up with all of the tables and the chairs. And the plywood and the barricades." ] "Ill drive a forklift and move pallets" "the fencing and all of the banners being hung and the tents being put up." "Most everyone on the committee takes three work days off to get this set." By Friday, theyre ready for the crowds. This year, two hundred thousand people showed up. Ashley Parker 2009 Festival Chair "When you see the smiles on the faces of those people who are here to watch the events and to do the crafts and everything, thats rewarding." Ashley Parker has been volunteering at Riverfest since 2001. This year, she was festival chair. It too is a non-paying job, but one shes glad to do. "It is just so important to give back to the community. I feel like if you live someplace, you need to give back." "My volunteers that worked with me were great and I owe it all to them." After three days of non-stop activity... "It all comes down pretty much in one day." "breaking down chairs, stacking the tables and waiting for people to come pick them up." "load pallets - wrap pallets" "taking down banners, unhooking electrical, getting all of the cords put up." It’s a lot of hard work by a lot of people. If you ask them, its well worth the effort. "Oh my goodness - it is so worth it and I am ready to start planning again next year." If you are interested in volunteering for next years Riverfest, log on to www.riverfestarkansas.com