The Secret of the Success of BalloonFest

 
This is the 40th year of our annual balloon festival in Statesville and during that time it has raised large sums of money for non-profit organizations. Our community pulses with excitement as the balloons fly overhead. We have the privilege to be the host to many people who get their first exposure to hot air balloons and to our lovely city. It's a very unique event and has a special place in the hearts of many.

The festival doesn't run itself, however.....it is run by a very large and enthusiastic team of volunteers. So many volunteers are required that it's always tough to find enough to fill all the slots. It's a problem of many non-profit organizations today… people seem to hesitant to donate their time, even for a great cause.
 
So now it's that time of year that we're trying to round up the troops and get these volunteer slots filled. Won't you consider volunteering?  No skills necessary… there is a job for anyone! Come with your friends, come with your family or come alone... you won't feel alone for long!  You'll be hanging out with the kind of people who volunteer...people with big hearts who don't just support the community with words, but support with their hands and their feet and their very precious time. The best type of people to call friends.

There is so much to do!  You can answer questions and solve problems in the Information Center, keep traffic flowing by helping with parking, serve food, help in the beer tent or the wine tasting area. You can help with grounds management or help with stage management for the entertainment stages. Or you can spend your weekend chasing balloons....chase crew are needed to help pilots set up their balloons, follow them in their chase vehicle, and then help take the balloon down.  A fun way to volunteer at the festival and get up close and personal with hot air balloons and their pilots.

You can volunteer specifically for certain organizations that are coordinating volunteer areas and will share in the profits of the festival.  The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Statesville is one of these organizations and they are staffing Admissions and the ticket booths.  The Girl Scouts of the Piedmont are staffing the Kid's Zone. Fun-loving, smiling, enthusiastic volunteers help make the event more special. They are the ambassadors that can make the day of someone attending the festival. Volunteers get free admission to the festival, a special parking area,  and a volunteer t-shirt, but we think the best gift is the memories that are made, and the satisfaction of knowing you are part of a great event in a great community that does great things for people in our community.

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