The Coral Springs Festival of the Arts & Garden Fest, a staple event attracting thousands annually, has issued an urgent call for volunteers ahead of its 18th edition this weekend, as reported by Coral Springs Talk. Despite the fast-approaching festival set to illuminate The Walk on March 16 and 17, organizers are scrambling to fill a substantial gap in its workforce, with a need for 30 adults and 10 students to assist with traffic and parking as over 30,000 visitors are expected to descend upon the festivities.
While the festival is known for bolstering the local economy through a near $1 million injection, this year's preparations are facing a bottleneck due to insufficient volunteer numbers; this predicament has been a curveball, impacting the smooth orchestration of the event which prides itself on delivering an enjoyable experience without a hitch. Ryan Drendel, Chair of the Festival Traffic/Safety Committee, highlighted the volunteers' pivotal role, telling Coral Springs Talk that "Managing the influx of visitors is essential, our traffic volunteers are key in guiding festival-goers to off-site parking and shuttle services, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all."
In an innovative push to bolster volunteer numbers, the Festival has presented a unique opportunity for local small businesses to gain visibility while pitching in. They're offering booth time to those who volunteer, allowing businesses to reach thousands while contributing to the festival's success. "It’s a win-win situation because small businesses gain invaluable exposure by participating in our festival, and in return, their volunteer hours help us create a successful event," stated Terri Poehler, the adult volunteer coordinator who also serves as a Keller Williams Realtor and has long called Coral Springs home, per details obtained by Coral Springs Talk.
Over at TAPinto, festival vice president and veteran volunteer Gisele Rahael emphasized the nonprofit event's reliance on volunteers, articulating that the festival's roster typically comprises around 120 helpers; this year they're short, making it labor-intensive for existing volunteers who must juggle multiple roles they often have to double-time their efforts, but having additional support would alleviate the pressure considerably. "Cultivating, attracting, and maintaining volunteers is essential for the continuity of any nonprofit event, especially this festival," Rahael mentioned, underscoring the criticality of volunteer participation for the cultural dynamo’s sustenance.
Residents with a passion for art and community are encourgaged to lend their time, thus aiding one of the city's cultural cornerstones while also relishing in the art-rich environment themselves. Those interested in adult volunteer opportunities can reach out to Terri Poehler at [email protected] or by calling 954-294-3937. Meanwhile, willing teens can connect with Gillian Johnson, the Teen Volunteer Coordinator, either via email at [email protected] or by phone at 954-328-9273. For a direct link to the volunteer forms and more information on the Festival of the Arts, visit here.
