OUTDOOR Adventures

BY BRIAN G. SCHOMMER

Summertime seems to be the chosen time for communities across the globe to celebrate. On any given weekend, a road trip of any magnitude with a course that drives through various towns of all sizes is sure to bring you past at least one or two such events. Pop up tents with artisans and others selling their wares, food trucks and stands providing just about any edible creations you could imagine (and a few that might even escape imagination) and music of all types being played and performed lead to the question, “I wonder what they call their festival?” Generally, this question is quickly answered as there is sure to be a banner or two with the name on it.

I have always been intrigued by community festivals not as much for the activities but more by the amount of planning, logistics and volunteerism that goes into pulling off such an event, especially if multiple days are involved. As the last few years have provided us new perspectives on things due to circumstances that need no further ink from this columnist, as a matter of fact, I will refrain from even using that “co…” word as we all know what circumstances I speak of, our way of life took a bit of a blast and now, some folks are feeling overdue to get out and celebrate again while others are more overwhelmed. From all accounts, the circumstances to which we have been dealing with have also created a bit of stagnation regarding volunteerism, which is vital in providing a successful community festival. Without volunteers, the name of the festival really doesn’t matter as there is no festival.

A few weeks ago, we visited Cottage Grove for their Strawberry Festival and as outsiders looking in, it was well set up. Of course, all the usual suspects were visible with the vendor area set up near the carnival rides and games which were just a hop, skip and jump down the path from the music stage. Additional food vendors surrounded the viewing area with a nice tent area filled with ample picnic table seating and multiple beverage locations. There were plenty of portable toilet areas with handwashing stations close yet far enough away from the eating area. The fireworks and other events to happen during the next few days we discussions that could be heard at nearby tables. As I went between the music and vendor areas, I noticed a gal standing there with a volunteer shirt on. I said to her, “thank you for volunteering,” and she smiled. She then said something that has resonated with me since that time. “Thank you, I have been here for nearly four hours, and you are the first one to say thanks.” I asked if her co-volunteers were on break or if her replacement would be arriving soon. She smiled again and said, “I am it for right now as the other two had to leave. I am on for the long haul.”

Returning to enjoy the festivities, I could not stop thinking about that lone volunteer standing there by herself, greeting each person with a smile, and making sure the attendees were not carrying any outside beverages or food. I also thought to myself, if she does stop somebody with said contraband, they are sure to give her a hard time about it, even though she is only doing her job and they would be the ones breaking the rules. We have all seen “that” person and even been that person a time or two. “What is the big deal if I bring my own beer? Do you see how much they are charging? I could buy a case for what they charge for three.” The big deal has to do with liability issues for the festival, the vendors and others involved. It also has to do with taking potential profit away from the vendors who generally must pay to be there, pay for their product, insurance, and staff, are trying to make a living and such. To lash out on a volunteer who has graciously donated their time so you can have fun is… well, jerk-like comes to mind.

There are plenty of festivals and activities going on in our neck of the woods. Rivertown Days, Cheese Curd Festival, Rivertown Live, Prescott Days, River City Days and of course, Strawberry Festival, all of which need volunteers to help pull things off. Instead of being part of an ongoing problem, how about being part of an ongoing solution and be that volunteer sitting by the gate that was making sure I was not toting my own brand of barley and hops flavored water. Be the one that makes someone else smile. Be the one that makes sure that your co-volunteers are not working the gate by themselves for the long haul. Be the one that makes the difference between a great community festival and a defunct community festival. The beauty of all of this… is in most cases, you get to “Get Out and Enjoy the Great Outdoors.”