OATS Volunteer Information
Greetings Out Among The Stars Bluegrass Festival Volunteers!
We have made more changes to the Volunteer process. The link to the Application and brief description of each position can be found on this page. Please be advised: we will work to give everyone the shifts and Crew they have requested. However, there will be times in which not everyone will receive shifts or Crews they have requested. Flexibility is an important part of Volunteering! We appreciate your understanding!
We do our best to have hours and shifts on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you submit your Volunteer Application, the more likely you are to receive your choice. Please be specific and contact us if your information or availability changes prior to the Festival! We hope our procedure will make it easier for our Volunteers. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to working with you! If you have any questions or comments, simply contact us via our Contact Form.
Sincerely,
Lucie Barone, Volunteer Coordinator
What exactly does Volunteering involve?
Most Volunteer positions require some degree of physical activity. Whether standing, walking, lifting, or other types of exertion, be prepared 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!
If you are Volunteering for our Festival, it would be helpful to know what is expected. Generally, each Volunteer is required to work 3 shifts consisting of 3 to 4 hours, to compensate the price of admission. However, some Crews work on different schedules requiring more or less time depending on the task. Each Volunteer, no matter the Crew, will work approximately 9 to 11 hours throughout the Festival. Being a part of the OATS Team is the most fulfilling part of Volunteering. Meeting people and working together for a common goal is what Volunteering is all about. Knowing you helped create something that makes an impact on all those attending is a wonderful feeling. Not to mention it is fun! Below is a brief description of what each individual Crew does and what is required of each Volunteer.
Kids Corner
Volunteers will participate in childrens activities throughout the weekend. Activities to include: story time, craft time, treasure hunt, and games.
Parking:
Volunteers doing Parking are required to accompany campers to their campsites as well as help day visitors park their cars. This job will entail working in the sun. Positions include: day parking and camper parking.
Store:
The OATS Festival Store is located adjacent to the stage. Volunteers sell t-shirts and Festival souvenirs and ice. It involves working with a cash register, making change, organizing t-shirts and other items; as well as tracking sales. What is enjoyable about working at the Store is working with patrons and enjoying the music of the stage show during your shift. The store is the central location for lost & found and information.
Backstage Hospitality:
Working Backstage involves keeping the area neat and clean and keeping food and drink available for the Performers. Those not involved on the Backstage Hospitality Crew are not permitted backstage.
On Call Volunteering:
Volunteers who are On Call are expected to be available to work any position necessary. This person will fill in staff shortage or cover breaks for other Volunteers. This requires extreme flexibility on the part of the On Call Volunteer.
Grillbillie Hospitality:
This job requires the Volunteer to be available an hour and a half before each meal at Grillbillie Hall, to prepare, serve and clean-up afterward. Grillbillie Hall provides breakfast and dinner to Volunteers and performers. Donations or a dish to share are requested from all Volunteers. Breakfast and dinner time to be announced by Crew Chiefs.
Front Gate:
The Front Gate has two separate positions: Cashiers and Runners. Runners take money and tickets from Festival patrons and bring them their required wrist bands and information. Volunteers who are Runners must enjoy working with people, as it is important that they be courteous and friendly. Cashiers handle money and tickets given them by the Runners, make change, track sales and provide information. Keep in mind, the Front Gate involves working in the sun and will require you to be on your feet, depending on which part of the Crew you are. Water is always supplied to Volunteers.
Picnic:
Grillbillie Picnic is Thursday afternoon for those attending the Festival, with the requirement of a covered dish to contribute to the meal. Volunteering for Picnic requires setting up prior to the Picnic, serving, cooking and clean-up afterward.
Environmental:
This Crew is in charge of keeping the Festival grounds neat and clean. Environmental Crew makes several trips per day, emptying trash cans, and making rounds to camp sites. After trash is collected, it is disposed of in an industrial garbage receptacle. Environmental Volunteers are expected to work their shifts as assigned by the Crew Chief. Environmental Crew should be available for Sunday pick up.
Security:
Security Volunteers are available for shifts as assigned by the Crew Chief. This Crew is for the safety and well being of patrons and staff while on the Festival grounds throughout a 24 hour cycle. This Crew also sells ice to Festival patrons.
Pre-Fest and Post-Fest:
Pre-Fest Volunteers are required for setup the week before the Festival begins. This will include heavy work, landscaping, stage setup, and site setup. Post-Fest Volunteers are required for teardown and clean-up after the close of the last show. All Volunteers for Pre-Fest and/or Post-Fest will be expected to contribute to a small fund upon arrival to the Festival to support the food and drink provided for these Crews. OATS has a Pre-Fest Crew Chief for Grillbillie Hall, in charge of meal planning and preparation. It is important to sign up for Pre/Post-Fest with the Crew Chief, including any allergies, so the Chief can plan accordingly. Drop-ins must pay as you go.
Please note: it is necessary for ALL Volunteers to fill out a Volunteer Application to be included in our Volunteer Schedule!
All Volunteers, new or returning, MUST submit a Volunteer Application every year! Volunteers will be welcomed to join the rest of the staff at Grillbillie Hall for breakfasts and dinners. It is asked that all Volunteers bring a covered dish to share. However, it is understood that time and schedules will vary, your contributions will be greatly appreciated. Upon arrival to Grillbillie Hall for meals, Volunteers will be asked to show their wristbands.
