How to Become a Volunteer
Many thanks to everyone who volunteered for MerleFest 2009! Applications for MerleFest 2010 will be available in October 2009!
| Festival Hours |
|
|
| Day |
Open |
Close |
| Thursday |
2:30 pm |
12:00 Midnight |
| Friday |
9:00 am |
12:00 Midnight |
| Saturday |
9:00 am |
12:00 Midnight |
| Sunday |
9:00 am |
7:00 pm |
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Volunteer Requirements
18 years of age or older
- Conscientious
- Energetic
- Courteous and polite
- Application and recent photo on file
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How To Apply
Applications for MerleFest 2010 are now available. You may apply on-line or request a volunteer application by mail by contacting the volunteer coordinator at 336-838-6264 or email merlefest.volunteer@wilkescc.edu. Volunteer applications will be taken through April 23, 2010. First time volunteers are required to send a recent photograph and pay a refundable $35 deposit before the application will be processed. Veteran volunteers are also asked to send in a recent photo. Please mail photo and $35 checks to: MerleFest, Attention: Volunteer Coordinator, PO Box 120, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. After all volunteer shifts are successfully completed, the deposit will be returned to the volunteer at Flattop's Getaway. You will receive your volunteer schedule no later than six weeks after we receive the application. Click here to apply on-line.
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What A Volunteer Needs
- Comfortable shoes
- Warm clothing for cool nights
- Rain gear
- Insect repellent
- Sun block/sunscreen lotion
- Flashlight (if on duty at night)
- A ready smile
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Volunteer Responsiblities
- Work a minimum of 16 hours during festival. Positions may allow fewer hours due to unique job requirements.
- Be on time for shift check-in and work assignments. Plan enough time for transportation to and from campus.
- Work your entire shift. If released by the team leader or stage manager, check in with the volunteer team leader for reassignment during your shift.
- Notify the volunteer team leader/Flattop's Getaway immediately if there are any changes to your availability to work your assigned shift once the festival begins. Failure to do so will affect your benefits.
- Be familiar with volunteer job descriptions and guidelines.
- Attend the volunteer training sessions prior to the festival (preferable) or on-site during the festival. Pre-festival training will be held Wednesday, April 28, 2010 in the Mayes Pit, Cohn Auditorium at 6:00 p.m.
- Volunteer stagehands may be scheduled for other duties in addition to stage work. Stagehands have been selected based on specific skills and experience but schedule changes and evolving general festival needs may make it necessary to change assignments in order to meet needs of a successful festival.
- Please be prepared to check in with a stagehand team leader at least 40 minutes prior to your first festival work shift for orientation and training.
- Stagehand volunteers must wear MerleFest volunteer stagehand tee-shirt while on duty. Only one shirt will be provided so it is suggested that the shirt be worn only during scheduled hours. Stagehand volunteers must wear close-toed shoes, no sandals.
- Complete the volunteer survey and return to suggestion box in "Flattop's Getaway."
- Make arrangements for child care prior to arriving on duty. Children are not allowed to accompany their parents to work.
- Be a "MerleFest is Going Green Ambassador" by recycling plastic beverage bottles in the appropriate bins and encouraging and helping attendees to do so as well.
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Volunteer Benefits
- All volunteers who work 4 - 5 hours a day will receive a one-day volunteer wristband for that day. Other wristbands issued are based on job specific needs.
- MerleFest volunteers can enjoy the festival before and after working assigned shifts. You will experience some of the finest acoustic music at one of the country's premier festivals.
- Volunteers receive a commemorative pin gift at the end of your required shifts.
- Snacks and drink will be available at Flattop's Getaway (volunteer headquarters) on the day you volunteer.
- Volunteers for MerleFest 2010 are invited to the annual volunteer reception held at the Walker Center March 3, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.
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Volunteer Check-In
Volunteer Check-In is located at the main entrance. There you will receive your entry wristband. All volunteers are directed to Flattop's Getaway to check in for their volunteer shift 30 minutes prior to their shift beginning. Flattop's Getaway will provide you with information/training needed to perform your volunteer duties.
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Where To Store Your Stuff During Your Shift
MerleFest volunteers should leave items at Lost & Found /Overnight Storage located in The Shoppes at MerleFest. This is a secure area and there is no cost. This area closes each night an hour after the last performance on the Watson Stage. If you will need your items that night, be sure to pick up your items before closing time.
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Become A Team Leader
Team leaders are previous MerleFest volunteers who have shown leadership skills and interest. Responsibilities include:
- Coordinate the assignment of volunteers to a specific area.
- Ability to interrupt schedules and anticipate staffing needs by considering schedule changes and volunteer availability.
- Work quickly to make decisions under pressure.
- Assist with training volunteers on specific job duties.
- Provide MerleFest with a critique of each volunteer worker assigned to you.
If you are interested in becoming a team leader please give Flattop's Getaway your contact information.
Emergency Phone Number During The Festival
All emergencies involving volunteers should be directed to the Visitors Center. The number there is 336-838-6551.
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Location Of Services
- Volunteer Check-In is located at the main entrance.
- "Flattop's Getaway", volunteer headquarters, is located in front of Hayes Hall across from the fountain.
- Handicapped seating accommodations are available with two weeks advanced notification by calling 336-838-6185. However, if the handicapped attendee was not aware of the notification, direct them to the Audience Information Tent.
- Handicapped parking is available in the Blue Lot - Bus Stop H.
- Information is available in The Shoppes of MerleFest and the Visitors Center.
- Message board is located at Festival Entrance.
- The First Aid tent is located across from the Visitors Center. The Wilkes Rescue Squad is there to assist you.
- Restrooms are located throughout the festival grounds in college buildings.
- Port-a-johns are available at locations around campus.
- Overnight storage/lost and found is located in The Shoppes at MerleFest (near tennis courts).
- Audience information is located near the center of the Watson Stage audience area.
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Festival Rules -- The following are not allowed:
- Alcohol or illegal drugs
- Pets
- Glass Containers
- Weapons of any kind
- Unauthorized audio/video recording
- Unauthorized tents or canopies on festival grounds
- Tent camping on site without proper credentials
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Flattop's Get Away
Named after our official festival mascot, Flattop the Raccoon, Flattop's Getaway is an exciting volunteer headquarters and gathering area.
Flattop's Getaway is located in front of Hayes Hall near the flagpole. Look for your volunteer friends and pick up your assignments here. Any volunteer questions can be answered by team leaders located in Flattop's as well.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering and we look forward to seeing you at MerleFest 2010!