The Maryland Irish Festival depends on nearly 400+ volunteers of all ages each year, and each person plays a very important part in our continued success. The following volunteer opportunities are available:
GREETERS INSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE: We only have one chance to make a first impression, so we need friendly smiling faces to welcome attendees, hand out programs, and to encourage the completion of a festival survey form (this provides valuable feedback for the committee).
IRISH INFORMATION BOOTH: This involves staffing a booth to hand out information and flyers about upcoming Irish-related events in the area.
VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN: We need assistance at the side door used by volunteers, vendors and bands who are entering the festival.
BOOTH SITTERS: This would involve offering assistance to vendors who are working alone and may want to take a brief break from their booth.
SALES: If your experience includes working in sales, your talents are needed in a number of areas.
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY AREA: This area exposes wee ones to Irish Culture, storytelling, music and much more. Volunteers who like working with children are needed to supervise and help in the children's area with crafts, games etc.
CULTURAL AREA: Volunteers in this area should have some knowledge and interest in the Irish culture and its rich history.
BEER & WINE POURING: These are the most popular areas and hardest to get assigned. However there are openings each year particularly in the later shifts. Volunteers must be 21 years of age and work well with people.
PARKING LOT PATROL: Assisting as needed in the fairgrounds parking lot.
GROUNDS CREW: For those not afraid of hard work, we need assistance setting up, then dismantling different areas of Maryland Irish Festival. Setup begins the Thursday prior to the festival and take down occurs the Monday after Irish Festival closes.
GENERAL FLOATER-TYPE ASSISTANCE: To fill time periods or areas that may otherwise go understaffed. We're looking for flexible volunteers willing to be placed where the need is greatest.
***** All volunteers who commit to at least a two-hour shift receive free admission to the festival and a wristband which allows you to purchase food and beverages at a reduced rate.