The 33rd annual Ballard Seafoodfest is fast approaching, and with your help, it will again be a fantastic experience for all who come! Always the last weekend of July, Seafoodfest takes place this year on July 28 & 29.
Volunteering is a fun and painless way to contribute to our vibrant, caring community and offers a chance to meet your neighbors, promote your business or just have a good time! Every year, a core group steps in to contribute countless hours of time to make this two-day event one of Seattle’s favorite summer festivals.
Although salmon barbeque and information booth shifts fill up quickly, there are other opportunities for involvement. For more information, please contact Joanne Orsucci at 206-789-6064 or send her an email at jovanna65@comcast.net.
Here’s what you can do
Information Booths
Customer service skills come in handy here! Teams answer questions, give directions, sell t-shirts and other souvenir merchandise. Advance cash register training is suggested and provided. Shifts are approximately three hours.
Ice Wrangler Hang out in the coolest spot around, take ice tickets from food vendors, divvy out ice, and support the barbeque team. Teams of two are ideal for this, but individuals are also welcome. Shifts vary.
Appreciation Station Serving as satellites to the Information Booth, five Appreciation Stations are strategically located throughout the festival grounds. Volunteers answer questions, hand out free programs, accept donations for and distribute souvenir buttons, and generally help visitors to the festival feel welcome.
Benefits of volunteering
Free lunch! Volunteers receive a voucher that can be redeemed for a meal at the salmon barbeque booth during the festival.
Good will!
Volunteers know they’ve helped their friends and neighbors by donating their time and energy to this awesome community event.
Discounts!
Nothing fishy about this - volunteers receive discounts on official festival t-shirts and a free souvenir button.
Miscellaneous things to know
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Volunteers should be at least 16 years old; younger participants should be accompanied by an adult.
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Friends are welcome to join you (but please let me know in advance if possible).
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Please no alcohol before or during your shift.
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Please check in at your designated location at least five minutes prior to your shift to exchange information with the volunteers you’re relieving.
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Information will be provided at your volunteer location, but you’re invited to ask any and all questions.
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Please let me know of any limitations or potential challenges you may encounter.
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If you can’t make your shift, please give me as much notice as possible so that I can make arrangements with another volunteer. You can reach me at 206-789-6064.
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Rain or shine – Seafoodfest happens no matter what! However, Seafoodfest weekend is typically hot, so please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes. Layers are always a good idea, as the temperature can change quickly.
Upon completion of your shift, please make sure the area is ready for the next group of volunteers.
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I welcome feedback, suggestions and ideas! Also, if visitors to the festival have comments or complaints, please take them graciously and pass them along to me or the Ballard Chamber staff.
