OATS Bluegrass Festival

Thanks to the Volunteers who made OATS 2007 a success.  The 2007 comment cards stated the staff was friendly and helpful, and the 8th Annual OATS Festival was the best one yet.  Without our Volunteers, 2007 OATS would not have been, as one comment card read, "the best run festival in the country"!  Thank you and we hope to see you return to Volunteer for the 9th Annual Out Among The Stars Bluegrass Festival, July 3-6 2008!

Every Volunteer, new or returning, MUST submit an Application each year.

It is very important to fill out a 2008 OATS Volunteer Application to be included in this year's Volunteer Schedule!

Click HERE for the 2008 OATS Volunteer Application

Potential OATS Volunteers:  

  
We have made a few changes to the Volunteer Process.  We have designed a Volunteer Application better suited to everyone’s specific schedule needs. This Application and a brief description of each position can be found at the bottom of this page. Please be advised, although we work to give everyone the shifts and teams they have requested, there will be times in which not everyone will receive what they've asked for.  Flexibility is an important part of volunteering.  We thank you for your understanding.

Hours and shifts are a first come first served basis. The earlier you submit your Application, the more likely you are to receive your first, second or third choice.  Please be specific, and contact us if your information or availability has changed prior to the Festival. We hope our procedure will make things easier to our Volunteers.  Thank you for your interest, we look forward to working with you.  If you have any questions please e-mail us at:   volunteering____at____oatsfestival.com            

Sincerely,

Mark and Lucie Barone, Volunteer Coordinators

So what exactly does volunteering involve? 

Most volunteer jobs require some degree of physical activity. Whether it is standing, walking, lifting or other types of exertion, be prepared for some motion, and respect your own limitations. We all work hard, but we want your experience to be a positive one. Plan to be out in the elements during your time with us. Some work areas are tented, but many require protection from sun and/or rain. It can also get chilly at night, so come prepared with gear for all types of weather. You'll be glad you did. Finally, be aware of your own time limitations

If you are thinking of Volunteering for our Festival, it would be helpful to know what is expected beforehand.  Generally, each Volunteer is expected to work (3) three hour shifts, in order to compensate the price of admission.  However, some Crews work on a different schedule, depending on the task.  Each Crew Member, no matter the team, will work a minimum of (9) hours throughout the Festival.   Below is a short description of each Crew and what is required of our Volunteers.

Front Gate:

The Front Gate is made up of two separate jobs:  Cashiers and Runners.  Runners take money and tickets from Festival patrons, and bring them their required wrist bands and complimentary packets. Volunteers who are Runners must be courteous and friendly. Cashiers handle money and tickets given to them by the Runners, make change, and also fill packets. Working the Front Gate involves working in the sun and will require you to be on your feet.  However, Volunteers who enjoy working with people find this rewarding, getting to be the first to meet and greet OATS guests before they enter the grounds. Water will be provided.

Parking:

Volunteers doing Parking are required to work in conjunction with the Front Gate, accompany campers to their campsites, help day visitors park their cars and assist handicapped campers and guests. This job will entail working in the sun and being on your feet.  Water will be provided.

Festival Store:

The OATS Festival Store is located adjacent to the stage. Volunteers will sell t-shirts, Festival souvenirs, ice cream and ice.  This position involves working with a cash register, making change, organizing t-shirts and Festival merchandise, and tracking sales.  What is enjoyable about working the Store, is getting to work with patrons and the stage show during your shift.

Environmental Crew:

Volunteers will be in charge of keeping the Festival grounds clean.  Environmental Team makes several trips per day emptying garbage cans into the backs of trucks, and rounds to private camp sites.  The trash is collected and disposed of into an industrial garbage receptacle.  Environmental Volunteers are not expected to work all three shifts each day. Enviromental Crew should be available for Sunday pick up.

Backstage Hospitality:

Working backstage involves keeping the area neat and clean, and keeping food and drink trays full for artists performing.  Those not working the Hospitality Crew are not permitted backstage.  A benefit of this position is being able to hear the stage shows and meeting performers.

Grillbillie Hospitality:

This job requires Volunteers during the Festival, to be available an hour and a half before and during each meal at Grillbillie Hall, as well as clean up afterward. Grillbillie Hall provides breakfast and dinner to Volunteers and Performers and those who contribute with monetary donation or a covered dish.  Breakfast and dinner time to be announced by Crew Chief.

Grillbillie Picnic:   

Grillbillie Picnic is open to those attending the Festival, with the requirement they contribute to the meal, preferably with a covered dish.  Volunteering for Picnic involves set up, working during the picnic and clean up afterward.

Security:

Security Volunteers are needed for safety patrol on the Festival grounds.  Additionally, Security is responsible for selling ice to Festival patrons throughout campsites.

On Call Volunteering:

Volunteers who are On Call are to be available to work any position, as needed.  This requires flexibility on the part of the Volunteer.

Pre-Fest and Post-Fest Volunteers are needed.  Pre-Fest volunteers are needed for set-up the week before the Festival begins, and Post -Fest volunteers are needed for take-down and clean up after the close of last show.  A detailed job description will be posted as soon as possible.  All Volunteers for Pre-Fest and/or Post-Fest will be expected to contribute to a small fund upon arrival to the Festival to fascilitate feeding the Crews before and after the Festival.  OATS will have a specific Pre-Fest Crew Chief for Grillbillie Kitchen, in charge of meal planning and preparation.  It is important to sign up for Pre/Post Fest with the Crew Chief, including any allergies or specific schedules, so that the Chief can plan accordingly.  Drop-ins though discouraged, must pay as you go. 

It is necessary to fill out a 2008 Volunteer Application to be included in the Volunteer Schedule!

 All Volunteers, new or returning, MUST submit an Application each year!

Click HERE for the 2008 OATS Volunteer Application