Volunteer

Here is an overview of what we are looking for and the duties required.

 

Carnival: is on April 24 evening, April 25 afternoon and evening, April 26 afternoon and evening, and April 27 afternoon. The exact times and days are to be assigned by the Carnival Chairperson.

 

Star Painting: on Parade route. Date TBA, a Saturday mid to late June, very early, 5 AM. Walk the parade route and paint stars using a template on the street. Safety gear, painting shirts, paint, templates, and breakfast at Brothers will all be provided.

 

Festival by the Lake: June 7, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM. We ask for a 2-hour shift, but any time you can give is appreciated. Talk up the parade, take cash donations, interact with festival visitors, and have a good time. 

 

Wakefield Farmers Market: June 14, June 21, and June 28 from 9 AM to 1 PM. Just like the Festival by the Lake, donations, hype parade, interaction, and fun.

 

Sign Holder set up: July 4, 2025, 2 PM at Lakeside Office Park. Help organize signs, and assign signs to holders. Keep all Sign Holders in one general area. Sign-up for youth Sign Holders will begin in May. 

Parents are encouraged to walk the route as chaperones and to keep good spacing between Sign Holders. We are also looking for others to walk with the Sign Holders, maintain good spacing, keep pace, and keep moving.

 

Galvin Middle School Staging area: July 4, 2025, 12:30 PM to 3 PM. Assist with parking information, guidance to shuttle buses, assist with parking at Mike's Gym.

 

Lakeside Office Park Staging area: July 4, 2025. 1 PM to 3:30 PM. Assist with acts to locate staging areas within the Lakeside Office Park. Assist check-in staff as needed. Assist with changing area and restroom directions.

 

Reviewing Stand: July 4, 2025, exact time TBD, early to mid-afternoon until the end of Parade. Help decorate the review stand, assist spectators with seating, and any other duties that may be needed. 

 

Golf Cart Drivers: July 4, 2025, 2 PM to 8 PM. Assist at staging areas with shuttling performers and guests. During the parade cart drivers shall have an assigned parking spot where they will have a cooler with refreshments for parade participants, WIDC volunteers, and the Emergency Management team. They will also be in place to keep the parade participants moving and to maintain a good pace, a radio for communication will be provided also. After the last act has passed they will follow the parade back to the Galvin Middle School where a shuttle service for parade participants to parking areas will be provided. 

 

Donation takers: July 4, 2025, 4 to 7 PM, take donations with a provided donation bucket. A QR code will be on the bucket for online donations. You may walk the route during the parade between acts or be a stationary donation area, it's up to you. If stationary a WIDC committee member will deliver a bucket before the Parade, and collect your bucket after the parade. Please note on the form if you want to be a stationary donation spot and where you enjoy the parade.

 

FAQ’s

 

“I have never volunteered, will I know what to do? Will I need to be in charge of anything?”

Yes, we have a dedicated group of volunteers who have taken on leadership roles for our different areas and events. There will always be a WIDC member available to assist you. 

 

“How will I know who the other volunteers are?”

All volunteers on the day of the parade will have a shirt that identifies them, as well as a lanyard with visible credentials, both provided to you as a volunteer.

 

“Will I miss the Parade if I volunteer?”

Not at all! Parade day is busy, but by 4 or 4:30 all acts are in place and beginning line up. If you volunteer on July 4, we will shuttle you to your favorite spot to enjoy the parade with family and friends. 

 

“Do I have to solicit donations?”

If you do not want to, then no. We ask if you have a golf cart you have a bucket available. 

 

“I am away July 4 but want to help. How can I?”

The Carnival in April, Festival by the Lake, Wakefield Farmers Market, and Star Painting are all non-parade day events for which we need volunteers.

 

“Will I get anything?”

A T-shirt, new friends, a sense of helping to make a great day for thousands, civic pride, and a patriotic feeling, you will have fun too.