Become a Volunteer

Volunteerism is very important to the Garlic Fest / Garlic Town U.S.A. history. We absolutely couldn’t host this festival without your help! Whether you’re a seasoned veteran volunteer, or new in town and want to make some friends, we’d love to have you help us out!

All volunteers attend a training and kick-off party night prior to the festival. More details will be emailed to you after you fill our your sign-up form below. Please reach out to Matt@swvtchamber.com if you have any questions.

Why Volunteer?

You’re giving back to the community, and helping the Chamber be able to continue to serve it’s members and region!
You’ll receive a famous stinkin’ volunteer tie dye t-shirt to rock during your shift!
Free admission to the festival after before/after your shift
Free lunch during festival day
Invitation to our festival kick-off night and volunteer thank you party (free food and drinks!)
It’s fun, rewarding, and stinkin’ awesome!

Volunteer Sign-up Form

2023 Garlic Town, USA Volunteer Roles & Descriptions

TICKET SCANNING & SALES

Needs to be comfortable using mobile device and Eventbrite app to scan attendee electronic tickets
Needs to be comfortable swiping and processing credit card payments for attendees
Needs to assist attendees who may be having issues purchasing tickets on their phone
Providing wristbands to attendees after successful ticket sale or check in of pre-sales
Will need to attend at least one training night prior to festival
Welcome to use personal phone or festival provided ticket scanner device
Receives a free mobile charger when using personal cell phone
Will be logged into private Chamber Eventbrite account prior to scanning by captain
Reports to Captain Kelly Harrington and Will Gardner
Locations: Ticket sale tent on Tuttle Lot, Cloves on Depot Street and Washington Avenue, outskirt parking lots (Ocean State Job Lot, Grace Christian School and Chamber), Transportation Shuttles

TICKET SALES - CASH ONLY

Needs to be comfortable handling cash payments at ticket sale booth
Providing wristband to attendee after ticket sale
Must monitor cash boxes at all times
No tech use necessary
Reports to Captain Sue Plaisance
Location: Tuttle Lot festival HQ next to main ticket sales (separate line)

INFO TABLE

Will assist attendees and travelers with any local or event questions they may have to avoid crowding at ticket lines
Knowledge of the Bennington area and local businesses and restaurants needed
Handouts, travel guides and other info will be provided for you at the table
Garlic Town event experience helpful
May need to briefly relieve other volunteers or vendors at certain times
Location: Tuttle Lot festival HQ near ticket sales tent

WRISTBAND CHECKER

Monitoring that all attendees having green wristband before entry into clove
May need to direct attendees to ticket sale or help tent
Needs to be comfortable standing for duration of shift
Reports to ticketing Captains
Location: Entry gates at Clove A (Greenberg Lot) and Clove B (Station Lot)

RECYCLING/WASTE STATION SORTER

Helps us keep our event as green as possible!
Will monitor recycling stations and collect compost/trash/recycling into provided barrels from attendees
May require lifting of full bags to transport to rolloff dumpster at Greenberg clove
Reports to Captain Peg Mulligan
Location: Recycling stations (2 in each clove) near dining areas

MERCHANDISE SALES

Selling stinkin’ awesome Garlic Town swag at the merch tent!
Needs to be comfortable using technology for card payments on iPad register
Needs to be comfortable handling cash payments and monitoring cash box at all times
Needs to keep booth stocked with various sizes and styles of provided merchandise and organize throughout the day
Answers to captain Andre Chenaille
Location: Tuttle Lot HQ area near ticket sale tent

VENDOR SUPPORT

Will relieve vendors as necessary and booth sit for bathroom breaks, etc
Not required to take payments for vendors or make sales, only letting customers know they will be back shortly
Will distribute waters to vendors and volunteers throughout day at both cloves
May help distribute vendor bags at beginning of festival day
Will communicate to chamber staff if vendor needs assistance from them
Location: Throughout Clove A (Greenberg Lot) and Clove B (Station Lot)

GUEST SERVICES / FLOATER

Needs to be comfortable on feet for shift and detail oriented to ensure cleanliness of attendee areas and overall stinkin’ good time!
Cleans and wipes down dining tables and seating areas multiple times throughout Clove
Monitors and restocks porta potties and hand washing stations when low on supplies
May need to make or assist in supply runs outside of festival area if necessary
Communicates via walkie talkie or relays info to area captain or chamber staff on any issues needing attention within clove areas
Assists with vendor support volunteers if necessary and fills in for other stations during bathroom breaks, etc
Location: Throughout Clove A (Greenberg Lot) and Clove B (Station Lot)

SECURITY

Will walk clove perimeters and keep eyes on gates and any entry points for any emergencies, fence hoppers, security issues, etc
Needs to be vigilant, comfortable being on feet for the duration of shift
Walkie talkie provided and communication with local police department and Sheriff will be available; will have active shooter and other emergency prep beforehand
Location: Perimeters of Clove A (Greenberg Lot) and Clove B (Station Lot)

SETUP/BREAKDOWN HELP

Will require physical lifting, tent and table setup, loading and unloading of chamber equipment from storage to festival sites
Fencing crew will install rebar and posts to attaching temporary orange fencing along clove perimeters
Barrel crew will be helping to unload 50gal water barrels used as crowd control
Setting up signage throughout cloves
Setting up supplies for ticket sales, merch tent, info table
Post festival cleanup
Free team lunches!