Harvest Media Center
Volunteering—A Whole New Harvest Experience
August 26, 2008
Now that summer is coming to a close, the people of New Brunswick's capital city have Harvest on their mind.
The Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival has many opportunities for the people of Fredericton area to be part of the organization's volunteer community. And with only two weeks away to opening night (Tuesday, September 9) Harvest organizers and volunteers are getting revved up for what is said to be the biggest Festival in Harvest's 18 years.
The Festival is a community based event, and it is widely recognized that the over 700 volunteers who dedicate their time, some all year long, are the heart and soul of Harvest. The passion, dedication and fun-loving spirit of every single volunteer is the reason why the Festival is the internationally renowned event it is.
"Harvest volunteers are the most amazing people," exclaims Alycia Morehouse, Director of Volunteers. "While we have many volunteers who have been doing this for years, we love when new volunteers sign up. Volunteering is a whole new Harvest experience—there is so much positive energy coming from everyone, the feeling is incredible."
Harvest has many fun and exciting volunteer positions available. From bartending, to admissions, to security to our green team—there is a perfect job for everyone.
"There is a great feeling of community among our volunteers. We do everything we can to make sure they are having a great time. Volunteering comes with perks too, besides having the opportunity to see some of your favourite performers and being front and centre in the heart of the action," says Morehouse.
One of those perks in the brand new NB Liquor Harvest Park and Ride, a free shuttle so volunteers do not have to worry about finding a parking spot downtown and can arrive on time for their shift. The shuttle will pick up volunteers at the FREX parking lot and drop off by Westminster Books on King Street. The shuttle will run this route every fifteen minutes.
The NB Liquor Harvest Park and Ride is also an effort of the Festival's "Green Your Harvest" initiative. Festival patrons are also encouraged to use the NB Liquor Harvest Park and Ride.
"Alcool NB Liquor is proud to be the official Transportation Sponsor of the 2008 Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival. From an environmental perspective, we support the "Green Your Harvest" initiative," says Dana Clendenning, President and CEO, Alcool NB Liquor. "We encourage Harvest patrons to take advantage of the park and ride program and enjoy all the Festival activities in a responsible way."
Harvest will also be outfitting volunteers in 100% organic cotton t-shirts as part of the green initiative.
The Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival is proud to announce that the Atlantic Lottery Corporation is the official volunteer sponsor for 2008.
The public can sign up to volunteer through the Festival's website, www.harvestjazzandblues.com, where they can choose the positions that work with their availability. Proper training will be held for all volunteers and Festival organizers encourage interested volunteers to sign up soon. Please contact the Festival office at 454-2583 for more information.
