VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The Oklahoma State Fair® (OSF) is Oklahoma’s premier family event. For over 100 years, the Fair has been Oklahoma’s top education, entertainment and competition event with thousands of visitors attending each day. The Oklahoma State Fair® is rich in history and heritage.
Part of that heritage is the Oklahoma State Fair Volunteer Program. Volunteers are critical for the successful operation of the Fair each year. Their faithful service is the backbone of the Fair, and without them, it would be impossible to provide the special hospitality, educational and children’s services to Fair guests. The services provided by OSF Volunteers ensure that our Fair is one of the best in the country!
Who we are:
OSF Volunteers come from all walks of life and have a variety of interests and talents. Some of our volunteers are retired, some are in school, some are stay-home moms and some are respected members of our business community. The one thing that they all have in common is a big smile! Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age or be assigned to work with a parent or guardian.
What we do:
OSF volunteers provide support during the Fair in September and during the move-in days immediately prior to the Fair. Each volunteer shift ranges from 3 to 5 hours depending on the duties and assignments. Volunteers also meet quarterly during the year for social activities, educational opportunities and special training.
Volunteer opportunities are available for everyone’s special skills and preferences.
Volunteer Opportunities in 2008 include:
Hospitality
As representatives of the Fair, Hospitality Volunteers serve as hosts to the hundreds of vendors/exhibitors that “are” the Fair each year. They serve drinks and refreshments and maintain the three Vendor Hospitality Lounges. This is a good position for friendly folks with good customer service skills.
Headquarters
Headquarters is the heart and soul of the Volunteer Program – all volunteer activities are driven through HQ. Guest Services call HQ for directions and answers, Hospitality Lounges are stocked and serviced through HQ, all volunteers check in and out through HQ, etc. HQ Volunteers serve as the “traffic control coordinator” for the daily activities during the Fair and assist the volunteer coordinator with all of the volunteer activities. Hours can be long, but fun. If you like a job that is varied, fast-paced and multi-faceted, then this is the job for you.
School Field Trips
Do you remember how exciting it was to go to the Fair when you were a kid? Help the OSF bring that experience back for our school kids today. School Field Trip Volunteers assist with registration, directions, information, lunch, Scavenger Hunt and educational components of the Fair for school kids, grades 3 - 6. There is a significant amount of walking involved. Dates: September 16, 17 & 18.
Farmer For A Day
Farmer-For-A-Day is a hands-on learning experience for children in AGtropolis. Volunteers, together with high-school FFA students, assist young children while they plant a seed, harvest their “crops” and sell them at the Farmers’ Market – just like a real farmer. This is a great volunteer experience for people who want to be active and like to interact with kids ages 2 through 17.
Guest Services
Guest Services Volunteers are the “Face” of the Fair to many of the million fairgoers each year. Manning the four InFAIRmation Centers across the Fair, they provide information, direction and assistance to our patrons. Outgoing volunteers withgood customer service skills who enjoy finding answers to questions and talking with hundreds of people will enjoy this position.
OSF Volunteers have Year-Round Fun:
OSF Volunteers enjoy activities all year long. In addition to the State Fair, volunteers get together for fun and educational opportunities throughout the year including socials, dinners and training meetings. The highlight of the year is the Appreciation Banquet in October.
The Many Benefits of Serving:
In addition to all the year-round free food and fun, OSF Volunteers receive the following perks:
- Free Fair gate admission and daily parking for each of your shifts. Enjoy the time before or after working your shift at the Fair!
- Volunteers have access to a restricted and convenient parking area during the Fair. Easy in and easy out!
- Second year+ volunteers who fulfill a commitment of 16+ hours receive a Fair Season Admission and Parking Pass good for the full 11 days of the Fair! Come and go as often as you please!
- Access to Volunteer HQ lounge throughout the Fair – whether you are working or not. Come in, take a load-off, have a snack and relax.
- All volunteers receive a free official volunteer shirt each year.
Training and Orientation:
All volunteers will be required to attend a mandatory orientation and training session meeting that will be held just prior to the Fair. All your questions will be answered, and you will receive your free, official Oklahoma State Fair T-shirt to wear during the Fair.
Don’t miss any of the fun - sign up now:
Once we have received your application, we will add you to our mail list and you will begin to receive more information as well as invitations to up-coming meetings and events.
TO FIND OUT HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER
OR, For more information on volunteering for the Oklahoma State Fair®, please contact us via email, at volunteer@okstatefair.com.
This page was updated on March 18, 2008.
©2008 Oklahoma State Fair, Inc.
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