Volunteer Information
Welcome to the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Volunteer Overview page.
We are always looking for interesting, fun-loving, hardworking folks to volunteer to make our festival the best each year. In the next few paragraphs, you should have most of your questions answered. Now let's get started!
What does a volunteer do?
Our volunteers do a variety of tasks that make our festival possible, from parking the patrons, taking tickets, checking in other volunteers and performers, aiding our camping patrons, providing safety and security, to preparing food for our volunteers and/or patrons.
What does a volunteer get in return for their time?
A volunteer gets free access to the festival as well as free camping and meals provided three times a day from the day they start their responsibilities. Being a volunteer is a great way to meet a community of other like-minded individuals, where friendships and memories are made and remembered for a lifetime.
What is a volunteer's time commitment?
The festival is four (4) days and we expect our volunteers to be able to work all four (4) days. Most volunteers will need to work 5 to 6 hours each day for a total commitment of 20 to 24 hours. We do have a small number of pre-festival crews that require a substantially heavier time commitment for the privilege of not working during the festival. All festival volunteers are expected to work a full shift on Sunday. Exceptions must be worked out with your crew chief prior to the start of the festival.
When are applications available?
The volunteer application form is available now!.
What if I can't or don't want to work during the festival, but I'd love to help somehow?
We need a number of individuals that can work after the festival to Break Down the festival site. We pay the after festival staff $5/hour for your efforts to make Dodds Farm a working farm again.
Can I bring my pet?
We have had to change our animal policy. PETS ARE NO LONGER ALLOWED AT THE FESTIVAL SITE. We have a list of boarding kennels in the area if it is necessary for you to bring your pet to the area.
When do I have to sign up by?
We still need volunteers for this year's festival!.
How will I know I have been accepted?
If you are flexible and answer "YES" to will work another crew if my selections are full, you can be assured of a position. If you are accepted, you should see a confirmation packet in the mail no later than the second week in July. If you apply online close to the deadline, you may only receive a confirming email. So get your application in EARLY!!!!!
Is there a T-shirt?
T-shirts are required during shifts. A payment of $10.00 is needed for the t-shirt. Payment for the t-shirt is due when you arrive at the festival.
What can we expect to eat?
We have an excellent kitchen where vegetarians and vegans are well cared for. Breakfast meats (cooked elsewhere) are offered to our volunteers for breakfast. Drinks and snacks are available all day.
I'm under 18 can I volunteer?
Yes, we have a teen crew for volunteers aged 14 to 18. The teen crew aid in finding lost children, running errands for crew chiefs, and filling in where needed. Parental or guardian permission is required. Children 12 to 14 can work on most crews along side their parent.
What if I don't want to camp?
We are able to provide free camping accommodations, if a volunteer chooses to stay off-site; it is at their own expense. There are a number of hotel, B&B's and motels. Go to the camping / lodging section of this site to find out about names and contact information.
My significant other is not volunteering; can we still camp together?
Yes, volunteers are allowed to camp at any of our authorized camping locations and direct family members with a prepaid 3 day camping ticket are allowed to camp in the area set aside as volunteer camping.
I want to bring my kids with me; do they need to volunteer?
We accept children over the age of 11 as volunteers with parental consent. Younger children are not expected to volunteer, but can accompany their parent(s) into the volunteer food tent for meals. We do ask that small children not attempt to "work" with parent(s), as it is difficult to fulfill your work tasks.
What if I have to cancel?
We need to know that a person would not be able to make their original commitment as soon as you are sure. Contact either your crew chief or the volunteer coordinator ASAP. An email or phone call is sufficient. We will mark your record and make your crew chief aware so that you are not marked as a no-show volunteer.
Once I send in my application what happens next?
If you are accepted as a volunteer, you will receive a confirmation packet in early to mid-July. It will have your crew assignment, crew chief name and phone number, report date and time expected and additional information as well as directions. Then just show up and go to the Check In Tent upon arrival.
What if I want to volunteer before the festival?
We have a limited number of pre-festival volunteer positions. Returning volunteers fill many of these positions. Tasks involve, site set up, site kitchen operations, Staff and concessions kitchen set up, early volunteer and patron parking, security and ticketing. If you think you qualify to fill one of these positions, use the comment section of the application. Due to the limited number of new volunteers accepted in pre-fest positions, in your crew preferences, you must include two festival (Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun) crews to be considered.
My favorite act plays on (fill in the blank); do I have to work then?
We try to accommodate all of our volunteers shift requests, but sometimes it is not possible. All scheduling is done through the CREW Chiefs. Communicate with them once you are able.
What if I want to check on my schedule before I arrive?
All scheduling, arrival times and working specific questions, should be directed to your crew chief. You will have contact information in your confirmation packet. All other crew assignments and general questions should be directed to the volunteer coordinator.
I really want to work more than one crew, can I?
Due to the large number of volunteers, we are unable honor requests for multiple crew assignments.
I've never been to the festival before, what should I bring?
Oh, it looks like time to list the now-famous camping list! Camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, ground cloth, etc. Warm and light clothes, good walking shoes, raingear, flashlight, water jug, bowl for washups, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and bug protection, warm smile and sense of humor, musical instruments. Optional: non-breakable, non-disposable cup and plate (we are active recyclers). I'm sure there is more, check with some friends on what else to bring camping.
I may need a ride to the festival; do you provide a shuttle service?
No, we don't have that sort of facility. There is a bus that stops about a mile down the road.
I'd love to volunteer, but I can't meet the full-time commitment.
Due to the high number of volunteers, we are unfortunately not able to accept volunteers for less than the full four-day commitment. If there were any way you could join us for even a late shift on Thursday or a double on one of the other days, we would love to accommodate you.
MORE QUESTIONS?
If you still have questions after reading all of this, email me at volunteer@falconridgefolk.com or call me at 508-746-0162. Looking forward to seeing you at the festival.
Barbara Jesse
Volunteer Coordinator