Special Sections THE CRANBERRY COUNTRY CRIER | Page 19
Cranberry Country Crier
October 2013
Page 19
Festival volunteers make it all happen
The Eagle River area is
known for its Chain of Lakes
and its chain of events
throughout the year and
Cranberry Fest is one of the
biggest links in that chain,
thanks to hundreds of volunteers who help make it all
possible.
Volunteers are the key to
every community event in
the Eagle River area and
Cranberry Fest is no different.
According to Kim Emerson, chamber events coordinator, Cranberry Fest has an
incredible number of enthusiastic volunteers who give
graciously of their time and
talents. Emerson said that
without all of these people,
Cranberry Fest would not be
possible.
While planning for this
year’s event, Emerson noted
that Cranberry Fest utilized
more than 400 volunteers,
giving more than 2,000
hours during the festival
alone. She also estimated
that another 60 volunteers
were busy helping with the
Cranberry fitness events.
“People are really surprised when you start talking about how many volunteers it takes to carry out
Cranberry Fest,” said Emerson.
Emerson said many volunteers come back year
after year.
“We are fortunate many
of the volunteers return year
after year, working in the
same areas, while some
choose to try something new.
Plus, these people, along
with friends and family, are
always willing to help out in
a pinch,” she said.
Emerson said a frequent
comment heard from all the
new volunteers is, “I never
knew how much fun it could
be to help. I’ll be back next
year.”
Comments heard about
the volunteers from visitors
are equally positive. “Cranberry Fest has happy volunteers. Everyone is so helpful,
that’s why we like to come to
Eagle River,” said several
festival veterans.
Another favorite comment from out-of-town visitors is, “How can Eagle
River organize so many
great events? How do you
get all those volunteers? We
could never do that. Do you
know how lucky you are?”
Emerson responds with,
“We are very fortunate to
have these people and we
greatly appreciate all that
they continue to do for the
events of Eagle River, especially Cranberry Fest.”
Cranberry Fest is an allvolunteer, communitywide
event. Volunteers range in
age from 9 to 90, and come
from all over the area to
help. No experience is necessary and training is provided as needed. Volunteers are
treated to coffee and lunch
in a heated tent designated
just for them.
New volunteers are always welcome and the hours
are flexible. If you are interested in volunteering at any
of the Eagle River area
events, call the chamber at
(715) 479-6400.
More than 400 volunteers give their time and
talents at Cranberry Fest. They do every-
Derby Track to host fest marketplace
Eagle River’s Cranberry
Fest has in recent years outgrown its space at the Vilas
County Fairgrounds.
The well-known AMSOIL
Derby Track has become an
extension of Cranberry Fest,
taking care of the overflow of
vendors.
As part of the Derby site,
a flea market will be combined with retail sell/buy
and crafts displayers for a
broad range of items. This
year’s event will take place
Oct. 5-6.
The Expo Hall provides a
9,000-square-foot indoor setting for vendors and crafters
if the weather turns inclement. The indoor restrooms are an added bonus.
The Derby Track provides free parking, and a
shuttle service is available
between the Cranberry Fest
at the fairgrounds and the
Derby Track Cranberry Fest
Marketplace.
The Derby Track is located one-half mile north of
Eagle River on Highway 45
North. For more information, call (715) 479-4424.
thing from selling cranberries to serving food
in the food tent. —NEWS-REVIEW PHOTOS
Best Western PLUS
DERBY INN
1800 Hwy. 45 North, Eagle River, WI 54521 • (715) 479-1600 • Fax (715) 479-1143
E-mail: [email protected] Home Page: www.DerbyInn.com
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