Every year we have volunteers go above and beyond to help make an unforgettable weekend.

Thank you for all your dedication and effort!

All volunteers are a host at Salmon Arm ROOTSandBLUES Festival. Help us spread a positive, passionate vibe throughout the festival by always being kind and helpful.

Volunteer Benefits

We have the utmost respect for the skills, time and passion volunteers bring to the festival.
All festival volunteers receive the following:
• A volunteer ID name tag and wristband(s) (provides Friday, Saturday and Sunday festival access)
• A meal from Askews on Friday, and 1 voucher on Saturday and Sunday to use at participating Food Vendors
• Access to the Volunteer Lounge, providing snacks, coffee, and tea throughout the entire weekend
• Access to the volunteer after party on Sunday night
• A volunteer t-shirt
• A volunteer parking pass for the volunteer parking lot
• Discounted volunteer camping *Tent Only*

Come Prepared!

• Water Bottles

We would like to remind all of our volunteers to bring your own water bottle (BYOWB). The festival will not have plastic water bottles or plastic cups available on site, in an effort to cut down on single-use waste. Water stations will be available during set up and tear down week as well as over the festival weekend. Be environmentally friendly, keep hydrated and BYOWB! Note: Label your water bottle!

• Sunscreen & Hat

Please bring sunscreen and a hat to the festival & shift.

• Footwear

You must wear comfortable closed toe shoes while on shift!

Environment

• BYOWB – Bring Your Own Water Bottle
• Please go to the waste stations and dispose of your trash properly
• We have 1 bin each for garbage, recycling, refundables, and compost; please use them appropriately
• Be a host – If you see something you can safely clean up, please do
• Our cups, cutlery, plates etc are all certified compostable, please put them in the compost bin

Accessibility

Please contact us regarding any mobility limitations or accessibility needs. Our Volunteer Department will be happy to assist you with finding the best fit.

Hour Requirements

During Festival Crews: 16-20 Hours
• New Volunteers must dedicate 4 hours to a tear down shift
• Returning Volunteers may choose between a set up or tear down shift
• Set Up Shifts are from August 10th to 14th
• Tear Down Shifts are from August 17th to 21st

Pre-Festival and Post-Festival Crews: 25-32 Hours
• Hours are split between pre-festival and post-festival shifts. 
• These crews have the festival off to enjoy
• Shifts are from August 10th to 14th and August 17th to 21st

Please Note: Volunteer hour requirements are based on the needs of the crew

Crew Hours & Descriptions| click here

Volunteer Crew Descriptions | click here

Privately Recruited Crews:

Please note: Only apply for a privately recruited crew when recruited by Head Supervisor
Artisan Market
VIP Lounge
Engage Stage
Environment & Eco Educators
50/50

Limited Positions Available:

Artist Liaison
Backstage Decoration
Garden Crew
Instrument Lock Up

Volunteer Camping Information

The festival offers weekend tent only camping to volunteers for the discounted rate of $30 for the weekend. The volunteer campsite is located in Blackburn Park, across from the regular festival campsite. Camping is on a first come first serve basis, tents only, no showers, no pets but there will be water stations. No vehicles are permitted on the campsite however volunteer parking passes are available for the volunteer parking lot. Volunteers can reserve and pay for a volunteer camping spot by calling 250-833-4096 or stopping by 541 3rd Street SW, Salmon Arm. If you wish to bring a camping trailer, please purchase regular camping at regular prices on our website.

To purchase regular camping | click here

Due to the high demand for regular festival camping, ROOTSandBLUES is unable to accommodate a special rate for volunteers in our main campgrounds. We hope for your understanding in this matter.

Youth Volunteers at the ROOTSandBLUES Festival

• It is Festival policy that all volunteers between the ages of 14 and 18 must be the children of an active volunteer or be sponsored by an active adult volunteer who will take responsibility for them.

• The Festival reserves the right to determine who will be acceptable as responsible adults. The parent or responsible adult must agree to the Waiver and Release of Liability form before a minor is formally assigned to a crew.

• All youth volunteers will be expected to fulfill duties in order to receive volunteer benefits. They will be expected to conduct themselves appropriately.

• Volunteers between the ages of 14 – 18 will be placed to the best of the volunteer coordinator’s ability but there is limited space availability and there are no guarantees of volunteers being placed.

• Volunteers under the age of 16 will not be assigned to handle cash.

• Volunteers under the age of 19 must be accompanied to the volunteer party by their volunteer sponsor.

Volunteer Crews Open to Youth (14-18 yrs)

• Backstage Decoration
Helping decorate the festival the backstage area
25 Hours pre and post festival
Please note this crew has limited positions

• Camping – Must be 16+
Responsible for creating and maintaining an efficient, safe, and clean camping environment
Volunteers are accepted at Head Supervisors discretion

• Camping Set Up – Must be 16+
32 Hours pre and post festival
Must be volunteering on the same crew of active sponsor
Must be able to lift 30lbs
Volunteers are accepted at Head Supervisors discretion

• Children’s Area
Face painting, craft making, games – fun for the kids in general

• Host Crew
Creates a welcoming and safe environment for everyone
Greet patrons and help answer questions

• Ice & Water – Must be 16+
Must be volunteering on the same crew of active sponsor
Volunteers are accepted at Head Supervisors discretion
Deliver Ice and Water throughout the festival

• Information @ West Gate – Must be 16+
Creates welcoming and informative experience for patrons.
Helps facilitate a wristband exchange

• Infrastructure – Must be 16+
Must be volunteering on the same crew of active sponsor
Must be able to lift 30lbs
Must be able to work outside 32 hours pre and post festival

• Merchandise – Must be 16+
Volunteers are accepted at Head Supervisors discretion
Responsible for sales of Salmon Arm Folk Music Society’s merchandise during the Festival weekend

• Parking – Must be 16+
Must be volunteering on the same crew of active sponsor
Responsible for giving direction to parking patrons and collecting the parking fee

• Stage Crew – Must be 16+
Volunteers are accepted at Head Supervisors discretion
Assists with various duties requested by the Stage Manager
Must have stage or music experience

• Volunteer Services and Guest Information – Must be 16+
Assisting volunteers when they access the site
Creates welcoming and informative experience for patrons

• Volunteer Lounge – Must be 16+
Help to prepare and serve food to volunteers
Food Safe Certificate Preferred

• Volunteer Kiosk – Must be 16+
Must be volunteering with active sponsor
Volunteers are accepted at Head Supervisors discretion
Crew provides volunteers with their meal vouchers for each shift worked

Submitting a New Volunteer Application

Step 1: Everyone must read and understand the Volunteer Code of Conduct
Step 2: Determine which volunteer position interests you by reading the Crew Descriptions
Step 3: Determine if your volunteer position requires a Serving It Right or Food Safe Certificates. Prepare digital version of certificate to attach in your application
Step 4: Prepare a photo (head shot only) in JPG format for your application. Photos are mandatory and used for ID nametags.
Step 5: Fill out a New Volunteer Application Form. This form includes a Waiver that must be read and agreed to before submitting

Volunteer FAQ Overview

New Volunteers
Returning Volunteers
During the Festival

New Volunteers

How do I apply?

If you are interested in volunteering at the Salmon Arm ROOTSandBLUES Festival, you must first fill out an online application form and agree to the waiver. The application link is available at the bottom of this page. By agreeing to the waiver you are stating you have read and agree to Salmon Arm Folk Music Society’s Volunteer Code of Conduct
Volunteer Application Link | click here

What will I do as a volunteer?

Duties will vary from crew to crew. Please read the crew descriptions for a general idea of what to expect. After you are accepted on a crew, your Head Supervisor will go over duties and expectations.
Crew Descriptions | Click Here

How many hours are required?

It depends which volunteer crew you are on.
Pre-festival and post-festival crews: 25-32 hours
During festival crews: 16-20 hours
Crew Descriptions | Click Here

How do I choose a crew?

On your volunteer application please choose your top two choices and note your first preference. Please see the question above for a list of crews to choose from. New volunteers are placed on a first come first serve basis considering preferences as well as skills, interest and qualifications. Depending on the crew’s requirements, you may have to undergo an interview, certification or training before you are accepted.

What is the minimum age to volunteer?

The minimum age is 14. It is Festival policy that all volunteers between the ages of 14 and 18 must be the children of an active volunteer or be sponsored by an active adult volunteer who will take responsibility for them. The Festival reserves the right to determine who will be acceptable as responsible adults. The parent or responsible adult must agree to the Waiver and Release of Liability form before a minor is formally assigned to a crew. Volunteers under the age of 19 must be accompanied to the volunteer party by their volunteer sponsor.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Once you are accepted on a crew, your main point of contact will be your Head Supervisor. Head Supervisors schedule your event shifts and depending on crew, sometimes your set up or tear down shift. If you have questions before you are placed on a crew, or can’t get a hold of your Head Supervisor, you can contact our Volunteer Department.
volunteer@rootsandblues.ca

I haven’t heard from the Volunteer Department yet?

Please check your email’s junk folder before calling. If you have not received any emails please call 250-833-4096 and ask for the Volunteer Department.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

We have the utmost respect for the skills, time and passion volunteers bring to the festival. All festival volunteers receive the following:
• A volunteer ID name tag and wristband (provides festival access for Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
• A meal from Askews on Friday, and 1 voucher for participating Food Vendors on Saturday and Sunday
• Access to the Volunteer Lounge who provides snacks, coffee and tea throughout the entire weekend
• Access to the volunteer after party on Sunday night
• A volunteer t-shirt
• A volunteer parking pass for the volunteer parking lot

Is there a place for volunteers to camp?

The festival offers weekend tent only camping to volunteers for the discounted rate of $30 for the weekend. The volunteer campsite is located in Blackburn Park, across from the regular festival campsite. Camping is on a first come first serve basis, tents only, no showers, no pets but there will be water stations. No vehicles are permitted on the campsite however volunteer parking passes are available for the volunteer parking lot. Volunteers can reserve and pay for a volunteer camping spot by calling 250-833-4096 or stopping by 541 3rd Street SW, Salmon Arm. If you wish to bring a camping trailer, please purchase regular camping at regular prices on our website.
To purchase regular camping | click here
ROOTSandBLUES apologizes for being unable to accommodate a special rate for volunteers wishing to use a camping trailer. We hope for your understanding in this matter.

What are tear down shifts and how do I sign up?

We ask all new volunteers to choose one 4 hour tear down shift, the week of August 17th to the 21st, 2020. New volunteers are assigned a shift on a first come first serve basis considering preferences and festival needs.

What if I am unable to volunteer and have been accepted and placed on a crew this year?

Please contact your Head Supervisor and Holly, the Volunteer Coordinator immediately via phone AND email. Do your best to let us know well in advance of the Festival if your plans change.
Holly Ketter
Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@rootsandblues.ca

Returning Volunteers

How do I confirm my intentions for 2020?

ROOTSandBLUES is working with our volunteer management software, Zone Festival, to create a short, returning volunteer application. However, due to unforeseen delays it will not be ready for this year. Due to the information the ROOTSandBLUES volunteer department requires each year, all volunteers will have to fill out a new form and attach a new photo. Please note: A new waiver is required for each and every year.

Am I guaranteed a spot on my crew from last year?

Returning volunteers who have filled out an application are guaranteed placement on their crews until May 15, 2020. After that date, they are still welcome to return, but may have to transfer to another area if their crew becomes full.

I requested to transfer crews this year. When will I find out if I was accepted?

Please choose a different crew when filling out the volunteer application. Your placement may take some time depending on the crew – some require interviews, certification, etc.

Who will be contacting me about my crew?

Once you have completed your application, the Volunteer Coordinator will confirm with you whether or not your application was accepted. Next, your Head Supervisor will contact you with further crew details.

Why do I have to fill out a new form every year?

ROOTSandBLUES is working with our volunteer management software, Zone Festival, to create a short, returning volunteer application. However, due to unforeseen delays it will not be ready for this year. Due to the information the ROOTSandBLUES volunteer department requires each year, all volunteers will have to fill out a new form and attach a new photo. We do know how important a simplified returning volunteer process is for many of you. Please know we have heard you and we are doing our best at this time. We hope for understanding and patience.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Your first point of contact should always be your Head Supervisor. If you can’t get ahold of your Head Supervisor, you can contact the Volunteer Department at volunteer@rootsandblues.ca

During The Festival

When is the Festival?

Thursday, August 13 – Sunday, August 16, 2020.

How do I pick up my Volunteer Package?

You will be notified how to pick up your volunteer package prior to the festival. Please direct questions to your Head Supervisor or at Volunteer Services located near the main gate.

How early should I arrive for a shift?

It is expected that you arrive 15 minutes early to each shift to help facilitate a smooth shift transition.

I can’t volunteer anymore, what do I do?

Tell your Head Supervisor immediately via phone AND email. Failure to properly notify your supervisors may result in removal from the SAFMS volunteer program.

I’m going to be late or miss a shift, what do I do?

Tell your Head Supervisor immediately. You should send a follow up email to your Head Supervisor and CC volunteer@rootsandblues.ca. Failure to notify your Head Supervisor may result in volunteer follow up and possible removal from the SAFMS volunteer program.

Is there a map of the Festival grounds?

Please check at the Volunteer Services for directions. Volunteer Services is located near the main gate.

Do volunteers get meals?

A meal is available to all volunteers for each day. Friday, Askews provides a meal and Saturday and Sunday each volunteer is provided with a Vendor Buck. Vendor Bucks can be used at participating Food Vendors for a meal. The Volunteer Lounge is open during the weekend to provide snacks, ice cream, coffee and tea. To pick up your meal vouchers please go the Volunteer Kiosk located in front of the Volunteer Lounge.
• Vegetarian and meat options are always available.
• Your volunteer ID name tag is your meal ticket, and is punched as you pick up your meal voucher.
• Allergies! You must be diligent about monitoring your own food. If you are unsure of ingredients, please ask. If you have severe allergies, you may wish to bring your own food.
• In an effort to reduce waste, drinking containers are not provided.
• Please bring your own reusable water bottle and mug.

Can I eat or drink on shift?

We ask volunteers to eat before or after their shift as most shifts are only 4 hours long. If you would like to snack, please be prepared and bring your snacks with you to your shift. Always bring a water bottle with you and stay hydrated. Please do not consume alcohol before or during your shift. You must remove your volunteer t-shirt before consuming alcohol.