The EQUINE
AFFAIRE Volunteer Program
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For more information
about volunteering,
please contact:
Melissa Ruppert
Volunteer and
Hospitality Coordinator
(740) 845-0085 ext. 106
Email
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Applications for California
will be accepted until
January 2, 2009.
Applications for Ohio
will be accepted until
March 13, 2009.
Volunteer
Forms
Thank you for your interest in sharing your time and talents as a volunteer at Equine
Affaire. Because of the size and complexity
of Equine Affaire, we are very dependent upon our large staff of volunteers to ensure
the successful production of the show. Volunteering
at Equine Affaire can be a lot of fun because you are involved in the behind-the-scenes
production, you work with a lot of great folks, and you're part of a team effort!
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"I
had a good time. The event was so well managed!
The volunteers really took their jobs seriously,
and were very helpful. "
-- Pat Schlesinger, attendee
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As you know, Equine Affaire is all about horses-and
there will be many horses on hand throughout the four days of the event. However, the
work done by the volunteer staff involves working with horsepeople rather than
horses. The
jobs that need to be covered by the volunteer staff nearly all relate to the actual
production of the event and include assisting with set-up and tear-down of the expo,
selling programs, assisting with clinic arena equipment, helping in the Information
Booth and Barn office, etc. These jobs
may not seem glamorous, but they are critical to the production of the event.
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Volunteers
working at the Information Booth
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The following is a brief outline of what we expect
from the volunteers, and what they receive in return:
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Each day of the show, including set
up and tear down days, is divided into several two-hour work shifts. It will
be necessary for you to work two shifts (four hours) to earn two days of admission
to Equine Affaire (admission on the day you work and admission on a second day),
three shifts (six hours) to earn three days of admission, or four shifts (eight
hours) to earn four days of admission. Those individuals who commit to and work
six hours will receive an official 2009 Equine Affaire Hat.
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All volunteers are responsible for their
own meals, travel expenses, parking, and accommodations. Fairplex will charge
current rates for parking. Limited beverages and snacks will be available in
the Volunteer Office during show hours.
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Because of the nature of much of the work
that volunteers are asked to do, we cannot accept volunteers who are under 18 years
of age for most staff positions. The only volunteer jobs available for younger
volunteers are cleaning stalls, assisting in the Youth Pavilion, and restocking
buyer bags. The Volunteer Coordinator may require a parent accompany a young
volunteer.
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We make every effort to schedule volunteers
so that they do not work during the times that they want to attend certain clinics
or seminars, but there are no guarantees. We will try to accommodate all scheduling
preferences.
- All volunteers will be required to sign a release of liability form at the event.
If you are interested in joining our terrific staff of dedicated horsepeople,
please review the Clinic
& Seminar Schedule and then fill in shifts you will be available
on the Volunteer Sign-up Forms. To allow time for scheduling and mailing conformation information,
all submitted Volunteer Forms will be accepted until either four (4) weeks before the
exposition, or until all positions are filled, whichever occurs earlier.
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Volunteers
checking-in at the Volunteer Office
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The Volunteer Coordinator will review all sign-up sheets and scheduling and job preferences
and develop the work shifts accordingly. After shift assignments are made, scheduled
volunteers will receive a confirmation letter providing the information needed to participate
as a volunteer at the expo, including your work schedule, event maps, a description
of your responsibilities, and information on where to check in, an admission ticket,
etc.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Equine Affaire. If you
have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
"I
am always thrilled to be a part of Equine Affaire, and I am already looking
forward to next year!"
-- Kathryn Grossman, Volunteer
"Thank
you so much for the opportunity to work with Equine Affaire this year in West
Springfield. I loved it and enjoyed all the 'horsepeople' I met."
-- Marie Westlake, Volunteer
"I
had a great time volunteering and enjoying the Equine Affaire...What a fantastic
event. It was my first time attending and I thoroughly enjoyed all the events...and
the oppportunity to volunteer."
-- Estella Cervantes, Volunteer
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