Volunteers wanted for Folk Festival

Volunteer NOW for 2009 Richmond Folk Festival
1,200 Volunteers Needed!

It takes upwards of 1,200 volunteers each year to produce the Richmond Folk Festival, and now is the time to secure a position at this year's event! The 2009 Richmond Folk Festival is seeking volunteers to fill a variety of roles throughout the festival - October 9-11. Last year, the event drew 185,000 people to downtown Richmond's historic riverfront, and with another huge event expected this year organizers are in need of volunteer commitments.

Betsy Lecky, Volunteer Coordinator for the event (and also a volunteer!) stressed the need for early commitments.

"Most people probably do not understand that while there are staff members who help produce the Festival, the majority of the event is run by volunteers who give generously of their time every year. We need to know now who we will have working with us so that our planning can remain on track for a great event in about three months!"

A unique real-time, on-line system is available for recruiting, tracking and coordinating volunteers. Potential volunteers are encouraged to visit richmondfolkfestival.com, click on Volunteers, then sign up for the volunteer opportunities available. Volunteers may choose the job they like, along with the specific date and time they would like to work.

Most volunteer shifts are 4-hour commitments and range from selling beverages and merchandise to safety escorts, site management, bucket brigade, assisting crafters, and many other activities. Additionally, volunteers may sign up for pre- and post-festival set-up and tear-down duties.


The Richmond Folk Festival now serves as one of Virginia's largest events, drawing visitors from all over the country to downtown Richmond's historic riverfront. The Festival is a FREE three-day event that got its start as the National Folk Festival which was held in Richmond 2005-2007. In the exact likeness of the National, the Richmond Folk Festival features more than 30 performers, on 6 live stages with continuous music and dance performances, along with a Virginia Folklife area, a robust Children's Area, produced by the Children's Museum of Richmond, a folk art marketplace, regional and ethnic foods, festival merchandise and more. More information is available at www.richmondfolkfestival.com.

The Festival is produced by Venture Richmond, a non-profit organization formed to engage business and community leaders in partnering with the City to enhance the vitality of the community, particularly Downtown, through economic development, marketing, promotion, advocacy and events. Venture Richmond also produces Easter on Parade, Friday Cheers and the 2nd Street Festival, and partners with the Richmond Sportsbackers to produced Dominion Riverrock. For more information visit venturerichmond.com.