Volunteers Invited for Tulip Festival

The 2009 Tulip Festival is three short weeks away; May 14, 15 & 16.  Before you know it, thousands of people will be filling the streets for the 69^th Annual Tulip Festival.  Orange City is sure to be bustling with activity come the third weekend in May and the community will need all hands on deck to help.  Members of the Tulip Festival Steering Committee invite all community members to join the celebration by volunteering. Many, many opportunities are available, both in the coming weeks and during the event. For those who prefer to remain behind the scenes, please note that PRE-Festival activities don’t require a Dutch costume. For additional details about volunteer opportunities, contact Rachel Meekma at the Tulip Festival office: 707-4510 or tulip@orangecitycomm.net

BEHIND THE SCENES – Help set the scene.  The Night Show needs volunteers immediately to help with stage sets.  Contact Betty Ferrell (737-2994).  Lend a hand and help build a float.  Contact Dale Hiemstra (737-8375).  Build and dismantle the Straatmarkt.  Contact Mike Hoffman (707-4510).  Parent volunteers are encouraged to help with practices and performances during the Festival.  Contact Kris McDonald (737-9241).  “Stage” hands are needed to assist with Vande Fear as well as unloading equipment for Remedy Drive.  Contact Melinda Netten (752-8372).

JOIN THE WELCOME TEAM – Volunteers are encouraged to join the “welcome team” during the Festival. You need a warm smile, a welcoming spirit and a Dutch costume.  Volunteers are needed in the Windmill Information Booth in two hours shifts.  Instructions & information to share are provided.  Any age including high school and up are welcome. Contact Barb Lubbers (737-8208) or Brian De Jong (737-3452).  Ushers are needed for reserved parade seats. Contact John Clarey (737-4818).  Also, volunteers are encouraged to participate as hospitality greeters for the Author’s Corner.  Contact Marilyn Van Engelenhoven (737-2861).

PARADE FLOATS – Help make the Volksparade run smoothly.  Parade coordinators need float drivers as well as volunteers to help with float riders.  Drivers contact Jim Plagge (707-4911).  Float volunteers contact Dale Hiemstra (737-8375).  Post festival, the parade committee also needs adults, children, & families to ride the city float at area parades and celebrations to promote Orange City and the Tulip Festival.  Contact Darrell & Georgia Johnson (737-3379).

JOIN IN FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES – Tulip Festival’s unique festivities attract thousands of visitors every year. Pull out your Dutch costume and join in the fun.  Show off your stylish costume every afternoon in the Mode Show.  Contact Kris McDonald at 707-9241.  Help make the avenue sparkle during the daily Street Scrubbing.  The Straatmarkt needs several volunteers to staff different stands.  The deStraat Winkel store needs cashiers & sales helpers.  Contact Jen Vogel (737-6813).  Also, the Dutch game stand needs a few workers.  Contact John Swart (737-3783).

FLOWER SHOW ­ – Enjoy arranging beautiful flowers.  Participant in the annual Flower Show. Tools and containers provided. Bring your green thumb.  Contact Kris McDonald (737-9241).

FILL THE FESTIVAL WITH SOUND – Be music or voices, Tulip Festival is full of sound.  Let your voice be heard. Parade announcers and street barkers are needed daily.  Contact Mark Van Ommeren (737-8385).  Become a trolley tour guide.  Contact Wanda Vande Kieft (441-3914).  Make some music.  Volunteers are needed to run the Dutch Street Organ.  Contact Stan Vandersall (737-8567).  Meet, greet and check in area marching bands. Contact Melinda Netten (752-8372). 

DRIVEN TO DRIVE? – Have a way with wheels?  Van shuttle drivers are needed in 3 hour shifts.  Contact Marilyn Van Engelenhoven (737-2861).  Those with strong legs are encouraged to drive the pedi-cabs; 2 hour shifts.  Contact Doug Vogel (737-6813).

The third weekend in May is guaranteed to be a few of the busiest days ever in Orange City.  True to form, members of the community are certain to make this Tulip Festival better than ever.  As they say, many hands make light work.  Turn up that Dutch hospitality and get ready for a great Festival.  

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