2016 DC State Fair signup sheet

When: Sunday, August 28
Where: NoMa Junction at Storey Park (1005 1st Street NE), Washington DC

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! Please read the volunteer job descriptions below and sign up for your preferred shifts and jobs. We always need the most help with set-up, clean-up, contest entries and preparation, so please consider signing up for one of those shifts in addition to any others you’re eyeing. Thank you!

And stay tuned for details about our volunteer meet-and-greet and orientation!

Marketing Street Team:
We need volunteers to spread the word about the Fair. We’ll be working in teams on weekends throughout August to post flyers in neighborhoods and businesses throughout the District.

Social Media Ninjas:
Have an interest in communications or mad social media skills? We need volunteers pronto who can help us boost our social media presence from now until the day of the Fair.

Writers:
We need talented writers to craft compelling Fair-related stories for our website and newsletter and pitch stories to DC-focused blogs.

Set-Up:
The morning of the Fair, help us set up tables, tents, signs, balloons and more!

Welcome and Information Tent:
Volunteers will work in the official DC State Fair tent, providing the public with information on the DC State Fair, the sponsors, the contests, judging, and whatever else they may ask about. This role also involves encouraging Fairgoers to donate to support the Fair as well to sign up to receive Fair information during the year.

Pet Parade:
This year marks the return of the Fair's super-popular pet parade! We need animal-lovers who are willing to help direct people and their pets and make sure everyone stays safe and has fun.

Education Tent:
Help set up and coordinate education tent demos and activities. Work with the ed tent presenters to stay on schedule. Introduce each event and presenter, engage the crowd, and troubleshoot any glitches that arise.

Free Spirits (willing to pitch in where needed):
These volunteers are some of the most important! This crew will help us problem-solve on the spot, assisting with everything from working with board members to resolve any emergencies to checking to make sure trash cans don't overflow and filling in wherever needed.

Contest Registration:
Assist entrants with their pies, vegetables, etc. Help number entries for blind judging and other logistics. Check that the recipe is being submitted for the contests that require them. If needed, help contestants with entry forms.

Preparation:
Volunteers will help store and organize pies and any other foods entered and prepare them for swift judging.

Kids’ Activities:
Volunteers will work with children and their caregivers at the Fair, leading group and independent kid-friendly activities and encouraging young Fairgoers’ participation.

Press Tent:
Volunteers at this tent will direct press inquiries to the right person, hand out press kits, and help any media present to get what they need for a good story.

Winners' Table Display Volunteers:
Help organize winning entries, make sure no one walks off with a winning entry, and help all contestants claim their entries if they so wish.

Social Media Outreach Volunteers:
During the Fair volunteers will update the DC State Fair's Facebook and Twitter feeds with photos, shout-outs, and more.

Clean-Up and Tear-Down:
Can't have a Fair unless it all gets cleaned up. The more the merrier! Help take down tents, signs, balloons, etc. and carefully pack unclaimed contest entries. A lot more fun than it sounds!