Volunteer spots open for FireFish

Anyone who likes the arts in Lorain will have a chance to get involved with the city’s upcoming arts festival.

The FireFish Festival is seeking volunteers to help in a number of ways in the two-day event planned Oct. 6 and 7.

“The more, the merrier,” said Joan Perch, FireFish event planner and the program and outreach coordinator for the Patsie C. and Dolores Jenee Campana Center for Ideation & Invention at Lorain County Community College.

The event has grown to a two-day showcase of the visual and performing arts on Broadway and Black River Landing in downtown Lorain.

“We have a lot of excitement and there’s always room for people to come down, lend a hand,” Perch said. “Be a part of the fun. Be a part of the community that’s building this amazing event for us all.”

For opening night Oct. 6, volunteer positions include people for parking assistance, set-up, hosting galleries, and serving as greeters and surveyors.

Many of the same jobs are needed for the main festival on Oct. 7. Also needed are parade assistants and helpers to lead interactive family and children’s activities.

FireFish started as a way to join Lorain County merchants and artists and it has grown as an initiative to use the arts as a key part of economic revitalization for Lorain city and county.

“I think that there’s a real level of satisfaction when you’ve come out and helped with something really special that helps to build your community,” she said.

Orientation sessions are scheduled for 9 a.m., Sept. 30, at the Lorain Arts Council, 737 Broadway; and 6 p.m., Oct. 3, at United Way of Greater Lorain County, 642 Broadway. Volunteers need to attend at least one session.

Volunteers need to be teenagers or older. They will get a FireFish T-shirt and refreshments during their shifts. They also will have break times to explore the festival.

For more information, email Volunteer Coordinator and Project Manager Emily Hoag at admin@firefisharts.org.