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 At this year’s volunteer dinner hosted by Region’s Bank and
Culver’s, Andi Hake, executive director at Lincoln/Logan County
Chamber of Commerce spoke of the need for more volunteers while
discussing what it takes to make the festival happen. Lincoln Mayor
Keith Snyder praised the work of the volunteers who help make the
festival “Tremendous!”
Those
who volunteer often find it a rewarding experience. For instance,
Jennifer Steele (pictured left), who has volunteered as a craft
coordinator, says she “likes getting to see all the people every
year, and getting to connect with people outside the community and
show what Lincoln is all about and what a great community we have.”
Barry Simons, who has parked cars and passed out books for the past
couple years, enjoys working at the airport and seeing all the
people who come out for the festival.
Jason
Shafer (pictured left), who has helped the Boy Scouts selling
popcorn and candy downtown for many years says, “It is a great
service for our community.” Bryce Watkins, one of the Boy Scouts who
is volunteering for the first time, says it is a good time to get
experience with selling items to raise money for their projects.
Other
volunteers also enjoy the chance to be involved in the festival and
all its delight. Kathy Johnson, who likes to chase balloons and is a
first time coordinator for admissions this year, says it will be
“exciting.” Roger and Jeannie Bakken (pictured left), other first
time volunteers enjoy the balloon glow and meeting friends at the
Art of Wine.
Denise
Etcheson has worked at the beverage center for nine years and says
she “likes meeting new people, enjoying balloons, and watching my
kids’ eyes light up when they see the balloons.”
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Friends
and family often help to recruit volunteers. Bill Meyer (pictured
left), who is a first time volunteer this year, says a friend
recruited him to drive golf carts at the festival, which he says
should be a “fun experience.”
For
Michelle Squaire, who has volunteered at the Art Fair for three
years, it is a family affair, as she works with her children and her
mother. She says, “It takes a lot of work to set up.” She loves all
the different types of art, comparing it to being at an art museum.
Michelle's
mother Sonnie Alexander, who has worked as a coordinator at the Art
Fair for the past few years, likes the fact that it offers, “fine
art, juried artists, and judges with good credentials.” She says
that “it is fun to see all the good talents and the variety of
media.”
As the volunteers tirelessly put in hours to make the Art and
Balloon Festival succeed, their work brings pride to our community
and joy to the thousands of people who attend.
[By ANGELA REINERS]
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