NOTE: Please know that the vast majority of NedFest Staffer are return volunteers from year to year, and that almost all of them are personal friends of Michigan Mike and other Nederland locals. That said, feel free to read the below information and apply for a position in case we end up having any holes to fill. Just know that it can be somewhat of a long shot.
NedFest has become an annual event for Nederland and we are working hard to keep it a success. A great amount of time is spent deciding who our Sponsors will be, who Vends at the event, who sells the T-shirts, who pours your beer, etc. We really try to personalize this event with specific individuals and their certain personalities in the different position. The locals of Nederland are a big part of the Festival's charm and uniqueness, so a good percentage of our Volunteers are NedHeads and other friends.
There are approximately 100 Volunteers at NedFest every year. We look for Staff members to work half-days each day, with the other half day off to play. Quite a few hard-core folks volunteer all day, both days... and we totally love ‘em for it! People who offer to work full day shifts are given preferential treatment when selecting our Volunteers. People who are able to help with Set Up and Tear Down on the days before and after the Fest in addition to their shifts during the event are also strongly desired.
REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT
Volunteers have to put down a deposit which will be returned to them after they have performed their Volunteer duties. The deposit is equal to the cost of a Weekend Pass. Basically, just be responsible, do a respectable job, and DO NOT leave your post early!
STAFF SHIRTS
Volunteers get to keep their Staff Shirts at the end of the event. Volunteers may attend any/all pre- and post-NedFest Staff parties!
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Get ahold of us via e-mail, telephone or otherwise. When selected we will notify you and give you further details pertaining to the Festival.
OVERNIGHT SECURITY
A handful of people may camp at the Festival grounds for overnight security purposes. If you are interested in staying on-site Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday night, please be sure to make special note of it when you contact us. Not all who request to camp will be allowed. If you are selected to camp you will be contacted regarding your acceptance.
TICKETS & WRISTBANDS
Upon arival you will need to get your Festival wristband at the Box Office. DO NOT take off the wristband until after the Festival.
PARKING INFORMATION
Please carpool if you can, and remember... absolutely NO residential parking in town. Volunteers should park in the designated Volunteer lot. Ask the Parking Staff where to go or simply follow the signs to the lot. Each Volunteer is allowed one (1) parking space only. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN YOUR CAR!!! Handicapped parking will be available close to the Festival.
DOGS
No dogs are allowed on the Festival grounds (except the Festival mascot). Please leave your dog at home. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN YOUR CAR!!!
WEATHER
Prepare for any weather. As this is a mountain town above 8,200 ft. weather may be an issue, even in the summer. August is usually pretty nice in Ned, but it could become rainy, snowy, windy or sunny at any time without warning. Bring sunscreen, rain gear, and warm clothes. The show will go on... rain, shine, snow or wind. Sorry, but we even work during inclement weather.
POTENTIAL ALTITIDE PROBLEMS
Nederland sits at 8,236 feet in elevation. If you are not acclimated to high altitudes, this could become an issue. Altitude may affect you, as loss of breath, dizziness, light-headedness and nausea sometimes occur in people arriving from low altitudes. To help prevent this, drink lots of water and do not drink a lot of alcohol.
