Volunteering for Telluride Bluegrass
Thanks to everyone who applied to volunteer for the 2008 Telluride Bluegrass Festival. We have now filled all our volunteer positions and we are no longer accepting any more applications for this year. Look for information about volunteering for the 2009 festival in early 2009.
Remember, volunteers represent Planet Bluegrass to thousands of festivarians. If the thought of remaining sober during your shifts bums you out, volunteering is not for you. If greeting and helping festivarians does seem like something you want to do, then volunteering is for you. We want friendly, fun loving planetarians only, thank you!
2008 Volunteering Specifics
Please read the volunteer guidelines thoroughly and fill out the application in its entirety. Please note: Volunteers are placed on a first come, first serve basis, the only exception will be for preference of previous recommended Planet Bluegrass volunteers.
Eligibility: Only volunteers who can commit to all 4 days of the festival will be considered. There are a few positions on Monday-Wednesday before the festival.
The following must be included with your application to be considered for a volunteer:
- Please fully complete the online volunteer application. Only applications that are completed in its entirety will be considered. We are no longer accepting volunteer applications, but you may still view the Volunteer Terms and Conditions.
- Provide two separate payments to Planet Bluegrass. These may be paid using a credit card (specified in the secure online volunteer application) or by mailing us two personal checks.
- The first in the amount of $185.00, which acts as a deposit against the completion of your shifts. This payment will not be deposited if your commitment is completely and satisfactorily fulfilled. In this case, we will shred your check or destroy your credit card information. If you do not complete the volunteer requirements your $185.00 will be charged or deposited.
- The second in the amount of $15.00, which is a non-refundable processing fee and will only be cashed if you are accepted as a volunteer.
- If you have already purchased a 4-day pass or a 4-day pass with Town Park or Warner Field Camping:
- Your ticket will act as a deposit against the completion of your shifts.
- If you complete your shifts satisfactorily we will refund you appropriately (by check or credit card).
- We will only refund the 4-day pass portion of the ticket.
- You will be required to turn in your ticket at the festival Box Office when you check in, in order to receive your volunteer wristband and hat. If it is on will call, you will need the invoice number and the name it was purchased under when you check in at the Box Office.
- Remember, if you are paying by check, you must send 2 checks. One in the amount of $185.00, the other in the amount of $15.00. The same rules apply as if you were paying by credit card. Your application will be processed when payment is received. Send checks to:
- Once you submit your application, you will automatically receive an email letting you know we received your application. It does not mean you have been accepted. All positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, the only exception will be for preference of previous recommended Planet Bluegrass volunteers. If you are accepted as a volunteer you will receive 3 emails by Monday, June 9th.
- The first is an acceptance email
- the second email contains your location and schedule
- and the third is a reminder email.
Planet Bluegrass
attn. Volunteers
PO Box 769
Lyons, CO 80540
Reminder for all Festival Volunteers
Thank you for your interest and willingness to participate at our festivals. As a reminder, camping is not included. Check our website for camping information. Please direct all volunteer questions to Cindy Kalyan, volunteer coordinator, [email protected], or by phone, 303-823-0848 ext. 111.
Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering
- How does volunteering work?
- You will be required to work four, 4-hour shifts in exchange for a 4-day festival pass. Parking requirement is only a total of 12 hours instead of 16. The minimum age to volunteer is 18.
- What if I already bought a ticket?
- If you bought a ticket, you need to turn it in when you check in at the Special Will Call line of the festival box office. After you have fulfilled your volunteer obligation we’ll refund the purchase price of your 4-day festival pass.
- Is camping included?
- Camping is NOT included, but we will have several camping areas available. You can purchase tickets over the phone or via our website.
- What if I need to cancel?
- You can cancel until May 30th, and we will destroy your deposit check or credit card information. After May 30th, your deposit is non-refundable. Emergency cancellations will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Documentation may be required.
- What if I must see my favorite band?
- We will make every effort to schedule you around your favorite band (if there is one), but we can’t guarantee it. There is a section on the application to note your favorite band.
- What if I must work with my friend?
- There is a section on the application where you can put the person(s) name. Please submit applications within the same week. If you submit them too far apart the times may be filled.
- What if I cannot make the volunteer meeting?
- The volunteer meeting is on Wednesday, June 18th at 7pm under the Dolly Parton Tent, which is located near the entrance to the festival grounds. The email you receive will give some specific details of what is expected of you. Also, your supervisor will give you more specific details at the volunteer meeting. If you absolutely cannot make the meeting, please check in with your supervisor at least 10 minutes before your first shift begins. Even if you have volunteered in the past, the volunteer meeting is still highly recommended for a number of reasons:
- To make adjustments to schedules
- To relay specific information
- To meet other volunteers and your supervisor
- To receive a volunteer Thank You gift
Telluride Bluegrass Festival Volunteer Positions
It is important to meet and greet festivarians with a smile and kind words! Also, have a great time!!
- Parking
- Direct vehicles and maintain smooth traffic flow, direct festivarians to shuttle busses, surviving the elements (sun, snow, rain, wind, dust, heat). Requires only a total of 12 hours, instead of 16.
- Pedestrian Gate
- Check that festivarians have on the appropriate wristband and direct them to the festival grounds.
- Customs
- Check that festivarians have on the appropriate wristband and check backpacks for glass & alcohol.
- Camp Gates
- Exchange camping tickets for wristbands or make sure camper’s have on the appropriate wristband, hand out camper’s handbook and disperse parking information. Volunteers will be placed at one of the four campgrounds - Town Park, Warner Field, Lawson Hill, or Mary Ilium.
- Vehicle Gate
- Check for correct tickets or wristbands and vehicle stickers, direct festivarians to their designated location, manage traffic flow.
- Pavilion Gate
- Help Town Park campers get situated and keep traffic flowing smoothly.
- Family Tent
- Help children and their families with face painting, juggling, hoola hooping, arts and crafts. Patience is a must.
- Box Office
- Exchange tickets for wristbands, look up will call orders, sell festival tickets.
- Country Store
- Run a cash register, straighten or fold merchandise, assist customers. Some retail experience preferred.
- Compost Crew
- Direct and educate festivarians where to properly place their compostable, recyclable and trash items.
- Concessions
- Check that concessionaires have on the appropriate wristband and direct them to the water station.