Volunteer Recruitment, Appreciation ~ The Key to Success ~ Ancaster Agricultural Interview

The Fair – “The Fair is a great community to volunteer in.” …“The Ancaster Fair is all about “Fabulous Family Fun!”

THE INSIDE SCOOP presents Kathy Smith, Manager

Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds

Our interview continues …

The Fair – “The Fair is a great community to volunteer in.” …“The Ancaster Fair is all about “Fabulous Family Fun!”

THE INSIDE SCOOP presents Kathy Smith, Manager

Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds

Our interview continues …

 

For many fairs, agricultural societies, festivals and events, it is critical to have volunteers!

Volunteers … can you tell about how you recruit volunteers.

Volunteer recruitment ~ “The Ancaster Fair does not have a specific recruitment policy or procedure.  We welcome everyone to become involved with the Ancaster Agricultural Society.  We do have a membership fee of $15 however this will give you unlimited entry into the Ancaster Fair, we just ask that you volunteer some of your time with a committee of the fair”.

How do you “keep them happy”? For example, do you have a Volunteer Appreciation Program?

Volunteer appreciation ~ “After the Fair each year we hold a volunteer appreciation and awards night.  This evening is a casual evening where we recognize the award winners from the fair but also the long time volunteers who will receive their Life membership or the Service Diploma award from the Society.  A nice meal is enjoyed, great company and a chance to say thank you to our volunteers for all that they do”.

Can you share with us some techniques on managing so many volunteers?

Techniques to manage volunteers ~ “Working with volunteers is very rewarding. Volunteers give so much of themselves to our organization and very willingly come out and help whenever needed.  I regularly work alongside the volunteers to prepare for events or to manage events, working with them as a volunteer.   I value this time to get to know the volunteers, to show I am prepared to volunteer my time for the association and to help accomplish the goals of the organization”.

Stay tuned for more with Kathy Smith, Manager of the Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds and don’t forget to check out their website at http://www.ancasteragriculturalsociety.ca/. … Next SCOOP: Funding, Prizes and Award Donations, Touch a Truck, Homecraft Garage Sale.