Linda Stark, Volunteer Coordinator
563-583-6602

Hundreds of volunteer hours go into making The Great Midwest Alpaca Festival successful.

Volunteering is the perfect opportunity to learn more about alpacas, get some great hands-on experience with the animals, and meet other breeders.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Set Up (Thursday): Assist with setting up alpaca stall panels on Thursday.

Tear Down (Sunday): Assist with removing stall panels at the conclusion of the Halter Show Sunday.

Check-In (Friday): Assists with show organizers when checking in farms and alpacas.

Color Checkers: Verifies the alpacas are entered in the correct color class and documents any necessary changes.

Gate Stewards:
• Assembles the classes in the holding area in a timely manner.
• Checks each entry into the correct class and lining the class up in the proper order to enter the ring.
• Controlls the waiting classes until such time as they enter the show ring when control passes to the Ring Steward.

Ring Stewards: One of the key positions needed on each day of the show is the Ring Steward. The Ring Steward shall:
• Not personally show their alpacas before the judge in that show after serving as Ring Steward.
• At the direction of the judge have the authority to remove unsportsmanlike exhibitors from the ring.
• At the direction of the judge have charge of and control activities occurring in the show ring.
• Convey the Judge’s directions to the exhibitors; any questions that they exhibitor may have while in the ring are address to the Ring Steward and not to the Judge.
• Assist in the restraint of unruly entries so that the Judge can complete the hands on evaluation of the alpaca.
• Record on the placing card the number of entries in the class and the placement of winners.
• Ensure the judge signs the placing cards and turn the card into the Show Superintendent.
• Line up the class winners in the same order in each class.

Fiber Demonstration Area and Fleece Show:
• Fiber Demo Setup (Thursday): set up displays and tables as needed
• Fleece Show (Friday): Check-in, weighing enties, data entry during judging, and fleece display.
• Fiber Demonstrator (Saturday and Sunday): Do you have a special "Fiber" talent that you would like to demonstrate? Would you like to join us for spinning or any of the other demonstrations/teaching activities that go on during the show? If so, please contact Mary Sternitzky
• Fiber Demo and Fleece show (Saturday and Sunday): General helper in both areas during the show. Make sure that nothing "disappears" and also help out where needed.

Information Table Staffer: (Saturday and Sunday) during the show. Be available to point people in the right direction, hand out showbooks, etc.

General Volunteer: Duties vary and will be assigned as needed during the show.

As a thank you for volunteering for a couple of hours, your name will be entered into drawings held throughout the show for $25 vendor gift certificates to be used at the show.

INFO FOR VOLUNTEERS

Plan to arrive at the Coliseum at least 15 minutes before your shift begins to meet with the appropriate show coordinator for the area for which you are volunteering.

Use the Main (East) entrance to the coliseum. Sign in at the information table for directions.