Catch Big Red to the Washington State Fair!

Celebrating the NPS Centennial the park's Big Red will be featured in the Northwest Outdoors Building at the 2016 State Fair in Puyallup

 
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The 2016 Washington State Fair is fast approaching. This year the fair runs from September 2nd through September 25th. Yes, it starts Labor Day Weekend and will be 4 days longer (the Fair will be closed on Tuesdays). Last year park staff and volunteers talked to over 14,000 people and thousands more checked out our exhibits. With the Red Bus right in front of the Mount Rainier Informational Booth we will have the opportunity to share our love of the park with even more people. However, with the extra days and extra emphasis of the NPS Centennial, we will need a lot more help from staff and volunteers.    

 

The Red Bus, our exhibits, and the snow shoe track will be great.  But more important is the presence of a real live person representing the park service and talking with all those enthusiastic fair goers. 

 

We need lots of help!

 We have two opportunities for you to help out

#1. Staffing the Mount Rainier Informational Booth:   

Mon, Wed-Fri:  first shift 10:00-1:30, second shift 1:30-5:00, third shift 5:00-8:30.

Sat-Sun:  first shift 9:00-1:00, second shift 1:00-5:00, third shift 5:00-9:00.

Details:  We would like to have two park people for each of the three  3 1/2 or 4-hour shifts a day.  Opening time on Saturday and Sundayis one hour earlier which necessitates 4-hour shifts on Sat-Sun.  But those are the busiest days so you won't even notice the extra 1/2-hour. At the Information booth you answer questions about the park and the park service.  Some resources will be available to help you with answers. You will also be helping with the hands-on activities in the booth and keeping an eye on the Big Red. 
  
  
#2. Staff the Snowshoe Walk:   
Fri-Sun:  first shift Noon-3:00, second shift 3:00-6:00

Details: On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6 PM the NW Outdoors Building and Mount Rainier National Park will be providing a snowshoe experience (mainly for kids, but adults can try too).  The trail of straw will be an L-shaped loop about 30 yards long and will wander around and through a native plant display.  There will be two 3-hr shifts each day and we need at least two people each shift.  It will be a busy, but quick, three hours.  

.How to sign up: Send me an email (jim_ross@nps.gov) and include the following things:

1. Which activity you would like to work

2. The date(s)

3. The time shift(s)

4. Your current mailing address (so I can mail instructions, maps, and tickets) 

You may sign up for multiple dates, times, and activities.

Available time slots: If you go the the link below, you can see which time slots have already been scheduled. You may NOT sign up at this link. It is informational only. To sign up please send me an email.

All Participants:  Once you are scheduled in a time slot you will receive a letter with instructions, maps and tickets for admission to the fair and a parking pass (one day parking and admission worth $25). You can experience the fair before and/or after your shift.

Volunteers: If you have a uniform and/or a VIP hat please wear it. VIP hats will be available at the information booth. 

Check out the available day and time slots: If you go to the link below, you can see which time slots have already been scheduled.  You may not sign up at this link.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RVDy-FrronJW4ec2ao5cZCtTnPZJLiVZCSadvmtwm38/edit?usp=sharing

  
Thanks, and we’ll see you at the fair!

Jim Ross

jim_ross@nps.gov