Additional volunteers are needed for set-up and other tasks.
By Chris Henry
chenry@kitsapsun.com
OLALLA
In November, it seemed the popular
Olalla Bluegrass Festival would be silenced for 2010.
Exhaustion on the part of the core group that had kept it going for
nearly two decades was the cause.
Since then, new folks have stepped forward to fill the void, and
the festival is back on the calendar, set for Aug. 21.
The event, which began in 1991, draws hundreds each year to the
South Kitsap Southern Little League field for a day of bluegrass
music, vendors and berry pie eating. Planning begins eight months
in advance.
Marty Kellogg, who wore many hats as festival director for a number
of years, announced this fall he was stepping down. The new
director, according to Secretary George Willock, is Larry Davis.
Michael Reardon is second-in command. Marcia Doran is treasurer.
Other key positions — including Willock’s — have been filled as
well.
Willock, a Southworth resident, has been a regular festival
attendee for years. He has helped with small tasks, but felt moved
to do more.
“I’m happy that it’s going to happen,” said Willock, “It’s just a
quality event. I really enjoy the bands. I enjoy the atmosphere.
It’s small enough, it’s kind of warm and friendly. It has the feel
of a party. I like the fact that it attracts a wide variety of
people, rich people, poor people, families, whatever.”
Kellogg and festival founder Charlee Glock-Johnson will remain
involved, Willock said, but the committee’s new goal will be to
minimize burn-out by distributing the labor.
To recruit new volunteers, Glock-Jackson wrote job descriptions of
each task involved in putting on the festival. The Web site has
been updated and now includes an online volunteer registration
form. As of the central committee’s most recent meeting, the former
handful of weary volunteers had swelled to a group 18-strong, and
most of the tasks, large and small, had been spoken for.
The committee still is lacking volunteers for three important
positions: volunteer coordinator, vendor coordinator and program
editor.
Proceeds from the Olalla Bluegrass Festival support upkeep of the
Olalla Community Club. The festival committee also donates to local
organizations, such as scout groups, school groups and other South
Kitsap community needs.
To find out more about the festival or to volunteer, log on to
http://www.olallabluegrass.com.
Speaking of South Kitsap Reporter Chris Henry talks about life in the county seat of Port Orchard and surrounding areas.
I’m glad the Olalla Blugrass Festival is continuing. With the loss of the Gig Harbor Folk Festival there is little enough live music happening on the peninsula. Luckily Olalla House Concerts offers live music about once a month. Go to http://www.olallahouse.org for more information.