This morning I came to the sad realization that festival season is officially over. While we all head back to our Monday morning routine, the festival season ender, Folk Fest was another year of great performers. My personal favourites were Lorde whose jerk-like dance moves kept all our cold tushes warm and BC’s Wake Owl a pop indie band that everyone should check out.
But as much as I enjoyed the show and the awesome food (running the gamut from gourmet poutine to cracked corn to Indian cuisine) I really took notice in the volunteers. As a frequent festival-goer, I often see volunteers running around, being patient with patrons and overall just being awesome. Maybe they’re volunteering for the free shows, to add to their resume or make new friends but whatever their reason, thank you for giving your time and making the annual experience always so welcoming.
Here are some great volunteers I met along the way:
Name: Damien
Position: Photographer
Photography interests: live shots of artists
Reason for volunteering: for fun, for experience and to expand his portfolio
History with Folk Fest: first year volunteer
Favourite performer on artist roster: Lorde
Name: Nadine
Position: Safety and Gates
Reason for volunteering: Encouragement from friends to get involved, affordable shows, meeting new people
History with Folk Fest: first year volunteer
Best volunteer meal so far: Beef Bourgignon and potatoes
Name: Jessie
Position: Folk Club for VIPs
Reason for volunteering: new experiences, affordable shows, it’s a great environment
History with Folk Fest: first year
Favourite performer on artist roster: The National
Names: Claire and Segah
Positions: 50/50 ticket raffle team
Reason for volunteering: Even though it’s cold, you have a blast and get to hang out with old or new friends. The hospitality at Folk Fest is great and we’re raising funds for the Blues in the Schools, a program that helps local bands like our friend Tessa Duke and the Band get more recognition, so it’s just an overall great production
History with Folk Fest: second year for both looking forward to more years to come
Favourite performer on artist roster: …Lorde, of course
