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Volunteer Driven: Streetfest gearing up for June

By Staff | May 4, 2017

Chronicle photo by Toni Milbourne Street Fest draws huge crowds to town, as is evidenced by this shot from last year’s event. Volunteers are essential to the event’s success.

While Shepherdstown Street Fest (SFF) does not take place until June 24, organizers have been hard at work since last summer in preparation for what has become an anticipated summer event. What makes the whole thing happen is the countless hours put in by volunteers.

Every year SSF relies heavily on the support of sponsors for marketing and funding purposes, and on volunteers who are vital the day of the events to give a helping hand. Recruiting volunteers can often be a challenge; however, coordinator Peggy Gordon is up to the challenge. She has been emailing and soliciting volunteers and continues to do so.

“Our volunteers are really the people who make Street Fest happen!” Gordon shared. “We need people to come in early and help out with setting up the fences, gates and tables for the beer garden, and we need to assist the vendors in finding their spaces and getting vehicles in and out of the Street Fest area.” Those pre-festival volunteers are key in making the rest of the day go smoothly.

Street Fest is one of the regions finest festivals that highlights local artisans, and musicians alike, and offers activities and entertainment to a crowd of all ages. Thousands flock to town to peruse vendor tents, enjoy exceptional entertainment and hang out with like-minded individuals.

Street Fest offers over 70 local artisans showcasing their work beginning at 10 a.m. when the festival opens, a food court, beer and wine garden, kid’s camp and live music on two stages starting at noon and going on until 8:30 p.m.

Shepherdstown Street Fest is presented by a core group of dedicated volunteers that work year round to seamlessly produce an amazing event that gathers approximately 8,000 supporters for only one day of the year, free of charge. Without those volunteers, the event would never occur.

Many opportunities exist to volunteer, and even a couple of hours can make a big difference.

“Once the festival opens, we need people to work in the Kid’s Camp, check IDs, sell drink tickets, work the gates and serve beer, as well as help keep the beer garden and streets clean with trash collection and removal,” Gordon said. “We also need a few people to help with running the Street Fest tent where we sell water, t-shirts and provide information.”

While there are many who return year after year to assist in bringing the festival to fruition, there is always a need for more, especially as the event continues to grow in popularity each year.

“We have a fantastic group of volunteers who come back every year, and we are always looking for more people to come help us raise money for several good causes. This year we are helping PIGS Animal Sanctuary and the Shenandoah Women’s Shelter. Our volunteers are fun, friendly, hard working, and always willing to do whatever it takes to make the day a success,” Gordon boasted.

Those wishing to volunteer may visit the Street Fest website at shepherdstownstreetfest.org and complete a volunteer application. To volunteer, one must be at least 16 years of age, by the event date and commit to at least two hours on June 24. Beer garden volunteers must be 21 years or older and will be assigned 30 minutes of trash pick up within their two hour window in the beer/food garden fenced area.

The festival is held on two blocks that make up downtown German Street; one can visit the websiteto find an interactive map of the area, and information on parking options as well. SSF also offer free shuttle services and admission is always no charge. All are encouraged to come out and join in supporting the community of Shepherdstown and its surrounding areas.

In addition to the artisans and food vendors who will be in town specifically to display their wares and feed our visitors at Street Fest, the wonderful shops along German and Princess streets will be open for your enjoyment.

“We cannot make Street Fest a success without our volunteers,” Gordon said.