“Will you be doing some volunteer work for the Evangeline Area Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival this year? If so, we’ll be making supplementary efforts to recognize and reward you,” promises the president of the volunteer recruiting committee, Edgar Arsenault.

As the organization continues to recruit the hundreds of volunteers it needs to hold this major cultural and agricultural event (Aug. 29 to Sept. 2), Arsenault reveals that the board of directors has adopted new measures to thank of all these people who invest so much volunteer time to ensure its success.

“Without volunteers, there simply would be no Exhibition and Festival. We therefore want to thank them and encourage them to continue,” he said. “We also want to encourage the new generation to get involved so that we can ensure this major event can continue for many years to come.”

Arsenault first of all notes that the board will continue giving a free day admission to those who volunteer for a minimum of three hours.  

WALL OF VOLUNTEERS

“As well, this year, for a first time, we’ll erect a special wall dedicated entirely to our volunteers. On it, we’ll write the names of all those who give freely of their time so that their contribution can be publicly recognized.”

Then, at this fall’s evaluation meeting, organizers will do random draws from the names of volunteers for various prizes. Individuals will get a ticket for each six hours of volunteer time they invested. For adults, there will be two draws – one for $500 and $300 – in cash or gift cards. For youth 18 years and under, there will be a prize worth $200.

“In addition to all of this, we’ll continue offering our sincerest thanks to our volunteers at all official ceremonies held during the weekend,” said Arsenault.

These measures are not applicable to those who are paid to work or provide services.

The committee president notes that going forward, volunteer recruiting will be conducted throughout the year, through personal contacts, through presentations before student groups, by messages in bulletins and social media, and by various other electronic means.

Much of the focus will be directed to adolescents since youth represent the next generation of community leaders, notes Arsenault.

Those wishing to sign up to volunteer in any way are urged to call 902-854-3517 or by sending an email to expositionfestival@gmail.com.

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CUTLINE: Edgar Arsenault, president of the volunteer recruiting committee, shows a model of the volunteer recognition wall that the Evangeline Area Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival will erect on its grounds this year.

For more information:
Edgar Arsenault
President of the Volunteer Recruiting Committee
Evangeline Area Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival
(902) 315-0811
edgar.stella@hotmail.com