The Sports Association of Oakland is stepping up to the plate, and asking Oakland residents to do the same by volunteering to help at this year’s Oakland Town Carnival.
The dates June 14th, 15th, and 16th are rapidly approaching, and volunteers are needed to help in every facet, from working the booths for games of chance, selling 50/50 tickets, helping in preparations and helping close it all down.
The annual carnival is a critical fundraiser for many non-profits that sponsor booths selling an assortment of food and drinks. This makes gathering additional volunteers to work the carnival itself more challenging, and even more critical.
According to Steve Wagoner, chairperson of the SAO, “We’re looking for volunteers to commit for any amount of time they can spare. If it’s one hour, two hours, three hours, whatever, we just need to start getting that organized now with names and contact information. If people never volunteered before, it’s a great opportunity to have some fun and really help the community make this a great event.”
The proceeds from this year’s event are earmarked for recreation capital improvements. The SAO has discussed with Oakland’s borough administrator different capital improvement projects that will serve residents of all ages by providing additional recreational opportunities.
The Sports Association of Oakland has been working under a tight deadline since it was announced at the last town council meeting that the carnival would not be taking place this year. Stepping up to the plate, the SAO began making efforts to assure that the event would be held.
The event is important for the many local organizations that make money to fund their programs throughout the year. It’s also an event that has become a tradition for the kids of Oakland look forward to every year, and a time when residents of every age come together for some good fun.
This year, in addition to the regular collection of amusement rides, games, food and drink, the carnival also hopes to be featuring two nights of music.
But right now, it’s about reaching out to volunteers…. Adults, senior citizens, high school students, anybody and everybody willing, is being encouraged to volunteer. Even parents of younger kids, the SAO will work around their schedule if they can devote some hours – their children will get a real kick out of seeing mom or dad working the carnival.
Oakland residents can help make this year’s carnival a great success by registering their interest in volunteering online. (link)
The SAO is reaching out to the local non-profit organizations to confirm their participation, and to let them know there is no fee for their booths at the carnival. Local 501(c)3 should register online by clicking here.
Great News! My kids are so excited. Looking forward to a great carnival.
Thank you Steve and the Sports Association. Without the carnival many town organizations would lose out on much needed funds. It’s nice to know that there are people willing to raise their hand and volunteer for the good of the town!