Volunteer registration for the “sweetest little Fair in Sonoma County” is now open. Yes, the Gravenstein Apple Fair, happening on August 12-13, in Sebastopol at Ragle Ranch Park is looking for a few good peeps (not chickens, although there will be adorable baby chicks at the Fair) to volunteer their time during that weekend. It takes a lot of people to put on this delightful fundraiser for Sonoma County Farm Trails, and there are all kinds of roles that fit all kinds of skill sets.
Four Great Reasons to Volunteer at the Fair
- Supporting Sonoma County’s agricultural community – If you believe in “Farms Forever” in Sonoma County or if you love farm-to-table food, wonderful libations, and cute farm animals, the Fair provides a great opportunity to connect with others who share your passion for this community. And, if you’re a high school student, the Fair is an opportunity for you to earn community service hours.
- Free Fair attendance – Shifts are four hours which, because you have a free weekend pass, leaves you with all kinds of time to explore and experience the Fair’s music, food, beverages, and activities. There’s also Fair parking available for volunteers (although we’d appreciate it if you parked in one of the offsite lots and take our free shuttle to help conserve parking, which is limited). Plus, you’ll receive a cute commemorative apron and our immense gratitude.
- Bring friends or make friends – Volunteers can sign up with friends and work together during shifts. Or, if you don’t have someone to bring with you, make friends this year and volunteer together again next year!
- Volunteering is FUN – Whether you’re helping with the darling baby chicks, checking wristbands, providing information to fairgoers at the Information Booth, or even setting up and tearing down the event, you’re part of a crew of people who are dedicated to their community and to having fun. There’s a wide variety of jobs where you can contribute your unique skills and have a great time.
Helping Guests Sort Discards is Cool?!
The Fair has made great strides in its efforts to become a zero-waste event. A lot of time and thought have been put into how to manage the compost, recyclables, and pig food that 15,000 people generate over the course of the weekend. Believe it or not, the volunteers who advise fairgoers about how to sort their discards have a fantastic time! To quote Shelley Brown who co-chairs the Fair’s greening efforts with her husband Alan Siegle, “our volunteers are doing a great service to the planet, as landfills are a big contributor to global warming, and each person they interact with, gains awareness and hopefully, passes it on.”
We Can’t Do This Event Without Volunteers
Wendy Krupnick, longtime volunteer coordinator for the Fair, knows firsthand how much the volunteers get out of working as part of the Gravenstein Apple Fair team. Wendy shared a favorite quote from a Fair volunteer who said, “I’ve been volunteering at the fair for years. I love it! I’m a huge apple lover, and it gives me joy to participate and give back.”
Come Join the Apple Fair Team!
So, if you’re interested in apples, supporting local agriculture, enjoying great food and libations, listening to fabulous music, and hanging out with adorable animals, come join the team! Volunteering opportunities can be found at the following: https://farmtrails.ivolunteer.com/event_013
