Did you know that the Cantaloupe Festival and Country Fair only had 20 volunteers in 2017 and 37 in 2021? How did they do it? According to Cantaloupe Festival Executive Director Adrienne Snow, it was no easy feat. With that in mind, the festival organizers gathered last Tuesday evening, September 24, at the Twisted Branch in Fallon to recognize and show their deep appreciation to the 200 volunteers who made this year's event so incredible.
"I was just sharing with some of the other volunteers when I came back from a festival in Southern Nevada, and it gave me an opportunity to see what our festival looks like in comparison," said Cantaloupe Festival Executive Director Adrienne Snow. "We have a phenomenal festival, and so much of that is the volunteers who made that possible."
Snow introduced Fallon Festival Association leadership, beginning with Chairman Zip Upham, who could not attend the event but has been integral to the festival's growth and success. Vice Chairman Todd Moretto, the longest-serving board member, handles all things entertainment, "And I don't mean just the musical entertainment," Snow said, explaining Moretto handles it all.
Snow then highlighted the hard work of Secretary Samatha Horning, who also serves as Vendor Coordinator. Horning works with over 200 vendors starting in early spring and organizes the exhibit hall and Country Fair, even managing the gift shop.
Another key association member is Marketing and Media Coordinator Shania Brown, who works year-round toward the festival's success. "Shania has taken us to an entirely different level," said Snow. "So everything that makes this organization look professional online… and to the outside world."
Treasurer Angela Guthrie from Financial Horizons ensures the financial side of the festival runs smoothly. "Tracking ticket sales, vendor payments, incoming and outgoing monies—probably twice—Angela makes sure it's all accounted for," Snow explained. Financial Horizons also donated over 100 volunteer hours to handle ticket lines and will receive a catered lunch delivered by Snow in appreciation.
Volunteer Coordinator Carrie Sheldon-Davis is another highly valuable festival asset who manages the 200+ event volunteers. "Volunteers are the backbone of this festival," she said, excited that the volunteer base has grown so much in the last few years.
The association works year-round, logging an average of 4,821 hours. Snow is the only paid employee, but her contributions far exceed her official hours. "Since Adrienne's been here, she's done so much more behind the scenes than people realize," Moretto said. He credited her with converting the festival into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, securing grants, and maintaining the budgets for each department. "There's so much she does, and she doesn't get enough credit."
Beyond recognizing the volunteers' hard work, the festival also gives back to the community. The association donates $10 for every hour of volunteer service to student organizations and nonprofits. This year, Boy Scout Troop 1776 earned $1,100 for their 110 hours of volunteering, Oasis Academy Varsity Baseball Team received $500 for 50 hours, CCHS JAG earned $350 for 35 hours, and Logos Christian Academy was awarded $145 for 14.5 hours.
Volunteers and organizations contributed 523 hours to this year's festival.
The festival organizers awarded two $500 scholarships to the Cantaloupe Festival King and Queen, helping them pursue higher education.
Additionally, the festival association is donating to the upcoming Maine Street Spooktacular - a safe Halloween event for children in the community. "We get to pay forward to other nonprofits when we have it," Snow explained.
Thanks to the dedication of the Cantaloupe Festival and Country Fair Association and many volunteers that help this beloved tradition continue in our community.
Comment
Comments