How to Volunteer at the Kentucky Derby Festival

Volunteering at the Kentucky Derby Festival can be an exciting way to get in on the festive atmosphere that grips Kentucky in the days leading up to the race. Volunteers are needed for nearly every part of the festival, from food service to ticket taking. The festival is run by a non-profit organization, so volunteers really do make a huge difference in the success of the festival every year.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Lend a Hand for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon

1. Volunteer to help get the race in motion by signing up to stuff race packets for entrants. Packet stuffing is typically held over a 2-day period in late April.
2. Help get the runners outfitted by donating your time to handing out official Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon t-shirts.
3. Apply to check runners' gear on race day. Each runner is given a band with an embedded chip to calculate his time. You can volunteer to check chips prior to the race.
4. Work to keep runners hydrated during the event by manning one of the many water and sports drink distribution areas along the race route.
5. Fill out the volunteer form with your name, address, availability, age and type of volunteer work. Submit the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Volunteer Form on the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon website (see Resources below).

Sell Pins to Raise Money for the Derby

6. Choose an event that you can attend to sell and distribute derby lapel pins. Events include the Running Wild Pasta Dinner and Expo, the Pro-Beach Volleyball Exhibition and the U.S. Bank Great Balloon Race.
7. Sign up for the pin event opportunity of your choice as early as possible, as many events are staffed quickly.
8. Complete the Derby Festival Pin Volunteer form. Include your name, address, age, t-shirt size and previous Kentucky Derby Festival volunteer experience. Submit the online form (see Resources below).

Feed Festival Attendees

9. Choose an event where you would like to serve food. The Chow Wagon is the food service organization arm of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Events that the Chow Wagon will serve include the Balloon Glow and Thunder Over Louisville.
10. Give the Kentucky Derby Festival organizers your volunteer information. Fill out the Chow Wagon volunteer form with your name, telephone number and the names of other family members who would like to volunteer with you. Submit the Chow Wagon form online (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• You must be 16 years old or older to volunteer for the Chow Wagon.
• Many volunteer opportunities will require you to wear attire specified as appropriate by the Kentucky Derby Festival organizers.