Festivals in Estrie looking for volunteers

UPDATE DAY

The festival season is about to begin in Estrie and many organizers are working hard to finalize their preparations, but recruiting volunteers remains a challenge. 

The Fête du Lac des Nations, which will take place this year from July 18 to 23, needs 375 volunteers for the proper functioning of its operations. Less than two months from the festivities, the organization is still looking for nearly 200 volunteers, and is appealing to the community. The inauguration of a new stage and the addition of a privilege zone mean that recruitment needs are greater.

“We are going to see the schools, universities and CEGEPs, the teams sports. We also solicit businesses in the region. We have several new features, so the needs are even greater. For the moment, we are not worried, things are going well,” said the general manager, Cindy Trottier.

In Magog, the Festival Ô Memphré will be presented for the first time from July 7 to 9. In addition to publicizing the event, the co-organizers had to work extra hard to establish a pool of volunteers.

“For the first edition, that's part of the whole package: everything is to build. For example, the list of people for volunteering, the list of merchants,” explained Jean-Christophe Morissette, director of business development.

In just a few weeks, the organization of O Memphré succeeded to recruit around forty volunteers, out of a target of 50 to 75.

“Our target would be to have between 50 and 75 volunteers. We want to offer the best service to both artists and festival-goers so that it is a great experience. We want to come back next year,” added Jean-Simon Marchand, artistic director.

For the Classique PIF and the Festival des Traditions du Monde in Sherbrooke, recruitment is not an issue. The major increase in operating costs represents, however, a major challenge, according to Jean-Charles Doyon, member of the management of these two events.