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Instructions for Volunteers

Points of Contact:

 

“RAIN OR SHINE.” Please check the forecast and dress accordingly. Wear sunblock. If there is a threat of showers, please bring rain gear. In case of severe weather, the decision to cancel will be made around 6am on the morning of September 28 and will be posted on the WAP website, and social media handles: Facebook page, Instagram account and Twitter.

 

ATTIRE: Volunteering involves lots of standing and walking outdoors. Wear comfortable close-toed shoes , no flip flops. Wear shorts or pants with pockets or have a fanny pack. You will be given a volunteer T-shirt to wear. You will need to wear your T-shirt over the shirt you are wearing or have someone to take your shirt. You can change shirts in the portable toilets, but there is no changing area.

 

HOW TO GET THERE:

 

BY METRO/BUS: The town plaza is right above the Wheaton Metro Station.

 

BEING DROPPED OFF: Get dropped off on the corner of Georgia Ave and Reedie Dr. OR on Veirs Mill Rd at Reedie Dr. If you or your driver need time to unload, drop off at Westfield shopping center and cross Veirs Mill Rd on foot.

 

DRIVING YOURSELF & PARKING: Park in the WMATA parking garage on Veirs Mill Rd next to Wendy’s and walk across Veirs Mill Rd to the town plaza. Parking is free on Sundays. Do not drive into the town center, the Wheaton triangle, Only authorized vehicles are allowed and some roads will be blocked with festival set up.

 

WHERE TO CHECK IN: A table will be set up at the corner of Reedie Dr and Grandview Ave (2425 Reedie Dr, Wheaton 20902).

 

WHEN: Check in between 7AM and 9AM and get your T-shirt, food voucher and volunteer assignment. Fill out your SSL form in advance or at check-in and give it to WAP staff. AFTER 9AM: Check-in at the WAP Info Tent (#1 on the festival map).

 

BE ON TIME FOR YOUR SHIFT(S) - High school students can work up to 8 hrs:7am - 12am (set-up for event and parade, most need for volunteers)9am - 1pm (parade and start of festival, second most need for volunteers)11am - 4pm (festival needs - Kids Zone)2pm - 6pm (end of festival, break down 3rd most need for volunteers)

 

VOLUNTEER DROP OFF LOCATIONS/PARKING LOCATION/CHECK-IN LOCATION

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The safest place to be dropped off is at Westfield Wheaton at Reedie Dr. This location allows your driver to get off the road and turn around. You also can drop off at the Metro Kiss & Ride or on the street at Veirs Mill & Reedie and Georgia & Reedie, but DO NOT BLOCK REEDIE DRIVE OR ENTER THE FESTIVAL AREA because art vendors and paraders will be arriving. Cross Georgia Ave on Reedie Dr and you will be at the plaza.

 

The volunteer check-in table will be at the corner of Grandview Ave and Reedie Dr.

 

PICKUP is possible on Ennalls Ave in the surface Parking Lot (Assembly B) any time after 12pm. Or you may meet your ride at the same location you were dropped off.

 

Possible Volunteer Duties

 

The Parade

  • Move floats from storage to parade start. (We have 2 hrs to move 20 floats, 7:00-9:00 AM)

  • Help paraders check in and find assembly areas (7:30-9:30 AM)

  • Pull a float in parade (9:30-11:30 AM)

  • Assist paraders with starts and stops (pace) during the parade (9:30-11:30 AM)

  • Position, rope and securely lock floats around festival area after parade (11:30 AM - 12:30PM)

  • Serve as a runner to deliver messages Move floats back to storage at the end of the day

 

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR FLOAT PULLERS

After you pass the reviewing grand stand, pull the float up Reedie Dr and into the Marian Fryer Town Plaza or, if directed, up Triangle Lane to Assembly Area A.Stay with your float until after the National Anthem. Then you will be directed to take the float to its designated spot around the festival grounds.Put the brake on, if the float has one, AND tie the ropes to a pole, parking meter, tree or tent post.

 

The Festival Tents

  • Hang signs on tents (6:30-7:30 AM)

  • Help artists & exhibitors unload so they can leave festival area promptly (7:00-8:30 AM)

  • Help run arts and craft activities at the kid zone (12:00 PM-3:00 PM/3:00 PM-6:00 PM)

  • Check on exhibitors - give water or programs etc

 

The Performances

  • Help stage managers hang banners on Grandview and Pub stages (7:00 - 9:00 AM)

  • Help performers unload equipment and move to stages

  • Track down performers and get them to the right stage (11:00 AM-2:00PM/ 2:00PM-5:00PM)

  • Help stage managers during performances (11:00 AM-2:00PM/ 2:00PM-5:00PM)

 

General Duties

  • Pass out programs to spectators

  • Check on supply levels at toilets and hand washing stations

  • Assist the WAP Info and WAP Gallery exhibits

  • Serve as a “runner” to deliver messages

  • Stay alert, observe and communicate any concerns quickly to managers or police

FESTIVAL MAP

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Wheaton Arts Parade is supported in part with funds from the Montgomery County Government, the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County and the Maryland State Arts Council.

© 2024 Wheaton Arts Parade. Created with Wix.com. 

Contact us: info@wheatonartsparade.org
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