More volunteers are needed to serve at the Putnam County Fair, which begins at the end of July.
Fairgrounds Manager and Fair Volunteer Coordinator Glenn Jones said the fair is a nonprofit, and the board is comprised of mostly volunteers. Jones said volunteers are essential to the fair’s success every summer.
“Nobody gets paid to put the fair on, and we can’t pay volunteers,” Jones said. “And we have, I mean we have lots of volunteers. You know, a couple hundred, three, maybe three or four hundred. So that’s why the volunteers are everything. They’re actually the heart and soul of the Putnam County Fair.”
Jones said the need for volunteers loom large because many of them are older, and they become too old to get involved.
Jones said volunteers may serve as security for the various exhibits around the fairground. Jones said their primary responsibility will be to walk around and ensure people do not mess with the exhibits.
“Some of them will be in the south grandstand,” Jones said. “It’s not air conditioned, but it’s not that hot in there. There’s a breeze blowing. And some will be in the Culture Arts Building. It’s got air conditioning. And if you can’t you know, walk around, we’ll have a place for you to sit. So, almost anybody can do this.”
Jones said volunteers do not need prior experience, but they do need to dress and act professionally. Jones said volunteers will cover one four to five hour shift during the fair, and they will receive a free 10 day fair pass.
Jones said the job’s easiness and the fun are two reasons people should get involved. In addition, Jones said it can be a rewarding experience.
“I love doing it during the county fair,” Jones said. “You just see everybody and you meet different people, and pretty much the same people volunteer every year.”
Jones said people interested in volunteering for the fair should get in touch with him. The Putnam County Fair runs from July 31 to August 9 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.
