When more than 70,000 people gather and 300 acts perform on 17 stages this April as part of the annual Norman Music Festival, volunteers will keep the show going smoothly.
Volunteers provide the biggest resource to ensure the success of the free event, said Alex Busby, an official of the festival.
“Without the support of many community members willing to help us juggle all the different aspects of this event, the festival would simply grind to a halt,” Busby said.
More than 150 people have volunteered in the past, and similar numbers are needed this year, publicity chairperson Michelle Bui said.
“We can’t throw this party with a few dozen volunteers,” Busby said. “We can’t throw it with 100. It takes an army.”
Volunteers can expect to help with nearly every aspect of the festival including preparation, stage support, hospitality and to running to perform random tasks for the festival and bands alike, Bui said.
But even volunteers can expect a little something in return. Mitch Davis, who oversees the volunteers, knows he can give back to his helpers as they do to the festival, he said.
Volunteers get a free T-shirt. Last year a private concert for the volunteers where Norman’s own Michael Hosty performed.
But, as a fraternity member himself, Davis also recognizes the significance of volunteering for OU’s Greek community, he said.
“The biggest perk is that NMF volunteers can earn community service hours for their time. I know what it is like to have to get those mandatory community service hours,” Davis said.
Most importantly, the short amount of time given up by volunteers is not undervalued.
“They [volunteers] are normal people with normal jobs, willing to give up a Saturday afternoon to ensure that NMF can go on,” Davis said.
Anyone wishing to volunteer for the Norman Music Festival can sign up at normanmusicfestival.com.
