Let’s Go Fly a Kite!

Tips for Volunteering at Blossom Kite Festival

The Blossom Kite Festival is a fun tradition. If you are volunteering for this event, you will have a great time.  You will also have a full day. Here are a few tips to help improve your shift:

1. Plan ahead

You can research metro at “ridemetro.org”. You can check out routes and fares of buses and metro trains.  Metro doesn’t start running until 7am on Saturdays.  You may need to carpool or ride on Uber/Lyft.  There are garages in the area but they will be crammed full with all the other people attending the festival.  Public transportation is the best way to come, if you can.

2. Check the weather and wear layers

If you have an earlier arrival time, it will be chillier.  Layers all you to adjust throughout the day.  I usually bring thin gloves.  It makes a difference when it is windy.  If you are working with arts and crafts, fingerless gloves are useful.

3. Wear sunscreen

Even if it is cloudy, you are still getting plenty of sun.  Bring sunglasses too.

4. Bring snacks

It helps to have snacks with you. I try to have trail mix, a piece of fruit and my water bottle.  The Festival provides Kind Bars, if you don’t like those, bring your own!

5. Wear comfortable shoes

Sometimes the area can get dusty or muddy.  My favorite type of shoes to wear at the kite festival are gardening crocks.  They are comfortable to stand in and easy to wash off.

6. Charge your phone

Make sure you have any contact information you need or at least get your team leader’s phone number when you arrive on site.

7. If you need a break

check with your volunteer lead/contact to make sure you aren’t leaving an area without having a replacement.

8. Notice what is around you.

You might be working with a craft table and someone could still ask you: “Where is the bathroom? Nearest ATM? Metro?”  If you don’t know the answer, don’t guess.  Direct attendees to the Information Tent to answer any questions.

9. Be flexible.

Sometimes you may be asked to move to a different area than what you were assigned.  The staff always appreciates a willingness to help out.

10. Have fun!

Ask attendees what they like about the Blossom Kite Festival.  Make sure you look up during your shift!  You can see some incredible works of art flying around.