It might be too early for some to be thinking about Canada Day, but not for organizers of Orillia’s annual celebration.
They are putting out the call for volunteers.
“We’re going to need at least 200 volunteers,” said Frank Epp, co-chair of the Orillia Canada Day fundraising committee.
The committee scrambles to find volunteers every year, and while it always seems to come together in the end, organizers want to get ahead of the game.
“At the present time, it is a concern,” Epp said of securing enough volunteers.
Last year was an exception. There was plenty of interest and support as the committee put on a celebration to mark Canada’s 150th. About 300 people volunteered their time and talents for that event.
Canada 151 might not have the same celebratory ring to it, “but it still needs to go on,” Epp said of the local festivities.
The greatest area of need is set-up and tear-down.
Epp is a volunteer, too, and he said the satisfaction he gets out of it is worth the work he puts in.
“It’s the personal satisfaction that we’re doing something for the community,” he said. “If you don’t have volunteers, you don’t have a committee, and if you don’t have a committee, you don’t have the fireworks and other events.”
Organizers are still working on details for the event, including what attractions will be available. It’s unclear if an amusement company will be hired this year to provide rides; that hasn’t yet been decided.
It will be a two-day affair. Saturday, June 30 will mainly focus on live music and the beer tent, while Sunday, July 1 will be the family event. One potential new event is a seniors dance on the Sunday, with oldies music.
Epp noted it is a great opportunity for high-school students looking to complete the volunteer hours they need to graduate.
He is also looking for sponsorship from local groups and businesses.
For more information on volunteering, email [email protected]. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected].
Watch orilliacanadaday.ca for updates.
