DESCRIPTION:
The Welcome Center, the horse participant hub, is the first stop that all horse participants will make once they arrive at the Midwest Horse Fair. It is also the spot they will head to throughout the weekend for their various needs. At times, your workload may keep you very busy, but at other times, work will be slow. Your participation, availability, flexibility, and cordiality are very important to the success of the Midwest Horse Fair.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Please arrive 15 minutes early each day to check in with the Volunteer Coordinator who is located in the Welcome Center at the front of Pavilion Two. This will allow you a few minutes to ask any questions you may have, receive updates that need to be relayed to you, and arrive at your work location on time to relieve the person working the prior shift
- After you have checked in, report to the Welcome Center Coordinator (next to the Volunteer Coordinator) who will assign you to a specific area
- We politely ask that you do not leave until the next person arrives to take your place or without consulting the Welcome Center Coordinator
- Please dress appropriately for the weather as you are likely to be outside during your entire shift. Closed-toe shoes are required.
- For those interested in purchasing snacks or meals, there is a Food Court located between the Coliseum and Nutrena Arena, as well as food vendors in Exhibition Hall, Coliseum, and front of the Pavilions
- We recommend storing personal items in your vehicle, as there are no secured areas to store your valuables (purse, backpack, purchases etc.).
- Please be courteous and friendly. Remember that you are representing Midwest Horse Fair. We are grateful for the help of our volunteers, and we depend on your good attitude and kind demeanor to make the weekend a success
- Each shift will last 3 hours. In exchange for working three 3-hour shifts throughout the weekend, volunteers can earn a free 3-day wristband (value $55)
- Stay alert at all times and pay attention to your surroundings in case a problem arises and action is required. We politely ask that you limit your cell phone usage during your shift
- Ensure that all horse participants and attendees have the appropriately colored wristband. If you cannot see a wristband, ask to see it. If they do not have a wristband, or have the wrong color, kindly direct them to the Welcome Center Coordinator
- Additional duties may be assigned as needed
- Please be advised that assigned jobs may change as needed at any time per the discretion of Midwest Horse Fair
DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:
Camping Assistant
- Check for proper wristbands, camping tags and vehicle parking permits. If you cannot see their wristband, ask to see it. If they do not have a three-day wristband send them to the Camping Coordinators.
- Assist the Camping Coordinators with any questions or camping issues that may arise.
Coggins
(mainly on THURSDAY and for FRIDAY & SATURDAY Rodeo check in)
- All horses entering the grounds must have the proper documentation: Coggins (draw date must be on or AFTER April 21, 2023) and a certificate of veterinary inspection issued within 30 days of import (if the horse is coming from a state other than WI or MN)
- You will be responsible for making sure that the dates on all paperwork are current and correct, that the horse matches the paperwork presented, and that copies of all applicable paperwork are kept on file
- A charge of $5.00 will be assessed for anyone who does not have a copy with them. Please collect this money and turn it in to a staff member for processing
- If you believe a horse does not match the paperwork, or the paperwork has expired, contact the Coggins Coordinator immediately
Shavings Trailer
- Collect coupons and document the number of bags sold
- Distribute shavings to stalls or to those picking them up
Trailer Parking
(THURSDAY only)
- You will be responsible for obtaining and recording contact information from trailer owners, and providing and attaching a tag to every trailer entering the grounds, even if they are just dropping off
- Direct traffic to the appropriate parking locations and keep vehicles away from the Pavilions during show hours from Friday to Sunday
Versatile Volunteer
- Distribute FREE Midwest Horse Fair programs and any other items to participants
- During down times, you may be asked to assist in filing paperwork, delivering materials to various areas, or checking the grounds to ensure that attendees are wearing the proper wristbands
- We may ask that you fill in other areas if another volunteer is unable to make it for their shift
- Assist in the supervision of the Practice Arena. This includes checking wristbands
- Assist Camping Staff with checking wristbands, camping tags and parking permits.
- Assist with the hanging of signs and banners
Welcoming & Unloading Liaison
(THURSDAY only)
- Greet horse participants and direct them to their stalls during check-in on Thursday
- Keep traffic in unloading zones moving in an efficient manner
For safety & liability reasons, this job is best suited for those who:
- Can tolerate various weather conditions as many tasks are performed outdoors in areas that may be unsheltered
- Enjoy interacting with the public and want to make Midwest Horse Fair a grand success
- Are knowledgeable, capable, and willing to do any and/or all of the volunteer jobs
- Are able to be on their feet for the entire shift
- Are familiar with horses and comfortable working around them. This is not necessary, but it would be helpful when checking health documents
- Willing to be extremely flexible about going wherever and doing whatever task is requested of you
- Have a sense of responsibility
- Are willing to be helpful and kind when working with people and animals
- Are able-bodied and capable of lifting up to 40 pounds
- Are able to communicate well, hear and understand directions clearly, and respond quickly