Our Success Happens Because of You!

As a Volunteer, you are an important member of a large team proudly committed to providing a memorable experience for thousands of daily visitors to Carolina BalloonFest! 

With your help, the Carolina BalloonFest continues to be one of Iredell County’s premier events. With your support, many nonprofit organization receive donations needed to help them serve our community. Volunteer Sign-Up is quick and easy.

Why should i volunteer for the Carolina Balloonfest?

Carolina BalloonFest, operated by National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Each year, a portion of our proceeds are donated back to the community. In recent years, National Balloon Rally Charities has awarded over $430,000 of Carolina BalloonFest proceeds to dozens of community organizations. Be apart of this fantastic organization and give back to our local community! 

How long are shifts?

Shifts typically last 4 hours. 

What are the perks?

The Carolina BalloonFest would not be possible without are many volunteers. To show our thanks, volunteers receive free parking and admission to the BalloonFest after their four-hour shift. Volunteers that register by September 31 with their t-shirt size, receive a Carolina BalloonFest Volunteer T-shirt. 

Is there an age limit to volunteer for the Carolina BalloonFest?

The minimum age requirement varies based upon volunteer assignment. Youth age 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult volunteer. 

Do I need training to volunteer?

Carolina BalloonFest appreciates any individual's willingness to volunteer for our charity. We ask that first-time volunteers and even returning volunteers, attend our Volunteer Training Day held at Mitchell Community College's Continuing Education building, located at 701 W. Front Street, Statesville, NC 28677. Our Volunteer Training Day for the 2018 BalloonFest will be on October 6. 

I'm with a non-profit or organization that is volunteering. How do I know which section they are volunteering at?

Please see below for a list of our non-profit volunteer affiliates. You may also contact your desired non-profit to inquire which section of the festival they are volunteering for.  

United Way - Balloon Crew
Relay for Life - Admissions & Volunteer Center
Dove House - Wine and Craft Beer
Mitchell Community College - Hospitality Team 
Girl Scouts - Kids Zone
Boy Scouts - Event Parking
​North Iredell Raiders - Festival Grounds 

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We thank our non-profits and other organization volunteers!

BALLOON CREW

ADMISSIONS & VOLUNTEER CENTER

WINE AND CRAFT BEER GARDEN 

HOSPITALITY TEAM

KIDS ZONE

EVENT PARKING

FESTIVAL GROUNDS

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​See below to learn more about volunteering at each section of the festival.

Volunteer Center

Our Volunteer team assists all volunteers with assignment Check in & Check out, distribution of volunteer vests and T-shirts.

Volunteers may be reassigned to any area of the festival which may also need assistance!

Volunteers on this team must be 21 years of age. 

For an assignment in the Beer Tent, volunteers are required to complete the North Carolina ALE / ABC Training. Please complete the online training at ABC Training Course. Print Certificate of completion and present at Volunteer Tent check-in on the (first) day you volunteer. 

Admissions

A friendly demeanor and experience handling currency is important to our arriving guests. At the admission gates, you'll scan prepaid tickets, accept currency/return change for guests prior to entering festival venue.

21 and Over ID Check

 All Volunteers in this area must be age 21 or older and have experience handling currency in a fast-paced environment. Beer Tent volunteers will check IDs prior to ticket sales and proceed to wrap wrist bands for guests of legal drinking age.

Volunteers on this team must be 21 years of age. Volunteers are required to complete the North Carolina ALE / ABC Training. Please Go to Online to complete the  ABC Training Course. Print Certificate of completion and present at Volunteer Tent check-in on the (first) day you volunteer. 

Beer Tent

Volunteers on this team accept cash only in exchange for beer in cans or drafted into cups.

Volunteers on this team must be 21 years of age. Volunteers are required to complete the North Carolina ALE / ABC Training. Please complete the online training at ABC Training Course. Print Certificate of completion and present at Volunteer Tent check-in on the (first) day you volunteer. ​

Balloon Crew

This is an important position, as the pilot relies on his/her crew to assist with assembly, inflation and launch of the balloon. The pilot also depends on their crew to chase them while they are flying and to be at the landing spot when they land to help pack up the balloon. Local Iredell county residents are ideal to volunteer in this area to help visiting pilots & crews navigate our area!

Eat Street

Support our food vendors with various requests throughout the weekend.

Event Parking

Event Parking Volunteers check for prepaid tickets, then guide guests, vendors, volunteers, RV Campers and pilots to their designated parking areas.

This team also coordinates satellite parking and overflow traffic which is paramount to ensure all guests arrive and depart expediently and safely to and from our festival venue.

Festival Grounds

Volunteers set up the grounds in preparation for vendors, pilots, and all guests arriving at our venue for the weekend. Setting fence lines, walk ways and all things 'maintenance and safety' to prepare the venue for guests to have a safe experience at the Carolina BalloonFest.

Grounds cleanup throughout the weekend is an important task to keep a favorable and clean environment for our guests to enjoy every area of our festival.

Hospitality Team 

Hospitality Volunteers offer friendly concierge services for our invited sponsors, dignitaries and special patrons. Volunteers assist in food and beverage service in the Hospitality Tent.

Volunteers on this team must be 21 years of age. Volunteers are required to complete the North Carolina ALE / ABC Training. Please complete the online training at ABC Training Course. Print Certificate of completion and present at Volunteer Tent check-in on the (first) day you volunteer. ​

Guest Services 

Guest Services Volunteers are outgoing, courteous and friendly as they provide information to assist all festival patrons with all Carolina BalloonFest attractions, venue areas, where to book a ride, lost and found and more! ​

Kids Zone

Kids love the inflatable rides and games at Carolina BalloonFest! Your oversight and smiling assistance will complement their safe, playtime memories.

Youth ages 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult volunteer.

Merchandise

Volunteers assist vendors with various merchandise tasks; keep Carolina BalloonFest merchandise neat & orderly for shoppers, restock as requested, help guests locate sizes, colors, items, etc.

Stage MANAGEMENT 

Volunteers on this team have stage production experience and impressive communication skills. Knowledge of PA and stage protocol is very helpful. Main Stage & 2nd Stage volunteers coordinate performers and equipment to assure entertainment schedule remains on-time. 

Stage management provides courteous and clear dialogue with invited talent, emcees and PA experts. Preference is given to those that will commit to the entire weekend.

Wine and Craft Beer tasting Garden

Volunteers describe how to participate in the wine & beer tasting, check ID's, accept cash, wrap wristbands and distribute wine glasses & wine cards to guests. Currency management, wine valet service and light organization of tasting glasses happen in the garden.

Volunteers on this team must be 21 years of age. Volunteers are required to complete the North Carolina ALE / ABC Training. Please complete the online training at ABC Training Course. Print Certificate of completion and present at Volunteer Tent check-in on the (first) day you volunteer. ​

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