March 4, 2010

Tulip Festival Volunteers Needed

In four short weeks, we will be celebrating the 70th Annual Orange City Tulip Festival on May 13, 14 and 15. Members of the Tulip Festival Steering Committee invite all community members to join the celebration by volunteering. Several opportunities are available, both in the coming weeks and during the event, and many opportunities don’t even require a Dutch costume! As they say, many hands make light work especially as we welcome thousands of visitors to Orange City. For additional details about volunteer opportunities, contact Rachel Meekma at the Tulip Festival office: 707-4510 or tulip@orangecitycomm.net

 BEHIND THE SCENES – Help set the scene.  The Night Show needs volunteers immediately to help with stage sets.  Contact Todd Vande Griend (441-3744).  Lend a hand and help build a float.  Contact Dale Hiemstra (737-8375).  Build (May 7 & 11) and dismantle (May 18) the Straatmarkt. Contact Mike Hoffman (707-4510).  Parent volunteers are encouraged to help with practices and performances during the Festival.  Contact Karla Plender (737-3940).  “Stage” hands are needed to assist with Vande Fear (May 14). Contact Melinda Netten (752-8372 or 540-2673 cell).

JOIN THE WELCOME TEAM – Volunteers are encouraged to join the “welcome team” during the Festival. You need a warm smile, a welcoming spirit and a Dutch costume.  Volunteers are needed in the Windmill Information Booth in two hours shifts.  Instructions & information to share are provided.  Any age including high school and up are welcome. Contact Barb Lubbers (737-8208) or Brian De Jong (737-3452).  Ushers are needed for reserved parade seats. Contact John Clarey (737-4818).  Also, volunteers are encouraged to participate as hospitality greeters for the Author’s Corner.  Contact Marilyn Van Engelenhoven (737-2861).

 PARADE FLOATS – Help make the Volksparade run smoothly.  Parade coordinators need float drivers as well as volunteers to help with float riders.  Drivers contact Jim Plagge (707-4911).  Float volunteers contact Dale Hiemstra (737-8375).  Post festival, the parade committee also needs adults, children, & families to ride the city float at area parades and celebrations to promote Orange City and the Tulip Festival.  Contact Darrell & Georgia Johnson (737-3379).

 JOIN IN FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES – Tulip Festival’s unique festivities attract thousands of visitors every year. Pull out your Dutch costume and join in the fun.  Show off your stylish costume every afternoon in the Mode Show.  Contact Stephanie Dykshorn (722-2757).  Help make the avenue sparkle during the daily Street Scrubbing. We especially need strong men to carry water!  The Straatmarkt needs several volunteers to staff a variety of stands.  The deStraat Winkel store needs cashiers & sales helpers.  Contact Jen Vogel (737-6813).  The Dutch game stand needs a few workers as well.  Contact John Swart (737-3783).

FLOWER SHOW ­ – Enjoy arranging beautiful flowers?  Participant in the annual Flower Show. Tools and containers provided. Bring your green thumb.  Contact Karla Plender (737-3940).

FILL THE FESTIVAL WITH SOUND – Be music or voices, Tulip Festival is full of sound.  Let your voice be heard. Parade announcers and street barkers are needed daily.  Contact Mark Van Ommeren (737-8385).  Become a trolley tour guide.  Contact Wanda Vande Kieft (441-3914).  Make some music.  Volunteers are needed to run the Dutch Street Organ.  Contact Stan Vandersall (737-8567).  Meet, greet and check in area marching bands. Contact Cheryl Hiemstra (737-3877).

DRIVEN TO DRIVE? – Have a way with wheels?  Shuttle van drivers are needed in 3 hour shifts.  Contact Duane Beeson (737-8929).  Those with strong legs are encouraged to drive the Pedi-cabs; 2 hour shifts.  Contact Doug Vogel (737-6813).

The festival wouldn’t be possible without the hundreds of volunteers that lend their time and energy every year.  We hope you volunteer and join us this year as we celebrate 70 magnificent years of the Orange City Tulip Festival.

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