Tall Ships Volunteer Recruitment Ends May 1
One week to get on board!
April 24, 2008
TACOMA – Anyone interested in working behind the scenes on the biggest event in the South Sound has one more week to get on board -- volunteer recruitment for this summer’s Tall Ships Tacoma® 2008 Festival ends May 1.
As many as 2,000 people are sought to help with jobs ranging from working directly with vessels to assisting in security or hospitality. About 1,500 have already signed up for the festival.
Anyone interesting in volunteering can get more information at the final Volunteer Recruitment Fair which will be held May 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave. The fair is an opportunity for volunteers to learn more about the festival and volunteer opportunities. No RSVP is necessary and the program lasts about one hour.
"We’ve had a wonderful response from the community and are in our final push to fill all volunteer positions,” said Matthew Erlich, event spokesman. “There are more than 200 different jobs available in a variety of areas – something for everyone."
Jobs available include those in the areas of marine operations, hospitality, transportation and security. If a prospective volunteer has a boat, there are opportunities to help escort the vessels on their excursions or during the Parade of Sail.
Volunteers must be at least age 16 and commit to a minimum of two, 5-hour shifts during the festival. All volunteers will be issued a shirt, baseball cap, water bottle, handbook and belt bag, and will receive training before the festival. Volunteers who agree to work more than two shifts will receive a complimentary boarding pass to tour the ships, Erlich said.
People don’t have to wait for the fair to volunteer, Erlich added. Simply go online to www.tallshipstacoma.com and click on "volunteer now" or call the Tall Ships Tacoma office at (253) 272-5650. Additional information about the festival and volunteer opportunities is also available on the website.
"This is a chance to get an up-close look at the vessels that are coming and meet people from around the world," Erlich said. "It will be an exciting time for the whole community."
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State Farm presents Tall Ships® Tacoma 2008 will be held July 3-7, 2008. More than 30 historic sailing vessels – including the USCG Eagle, HMS Bounty, the Niña and The Lady Washington -- will attend the event along the Foss Waterway. For more information, visit www.tallshipstacoma.com.