Anyone interested in working behind the scenes on the biggest event in the South Sound has one more week to get on board — volunteer recruitment for this summer’s Tall Ships Tacoma 2008 Festival ends May 1.
As many as 2,000 people are sought to help with jobs ranging from working directly with vessels to assisting in security or hospitality. About 1,500 have already signed up for the festival.
Anyone interesting in volunteering can get more information at the final Volunteer Recruitment Fair which will be held May 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave. The fair is an opportunity for volunteers to learn more about the festival and volunteer opportunities. No RSVP is necessary and the program lasts about one hour.
Jobs available include those in the areas of marine operations, hospitality, transportation and security. If a prospective volunteer has a boat, there are opportunities to help escort the vessels on their excursions or during the Parade of Sail.
Volunteers must be at least age 16 and commit to a minimum of two, 5-hour shifts during the festival. All volunteers will be issued a shirt, baseball cap, water bottle, handbook and belt bag, and will receive training before the festival. Volunteers who agree to work more than two shifts will receive a complimentary boarding pass to tour the ships.
People don’t have to wait for the fair to volunteer. Visit http://www.tallshipstacoma.com and click on “volunteer now” or call the Tall Ships Tacoma office at (253) 272-5650. Additional information about the festival and volunteer opportunities is also available on the Web site.