Carbondale Arts and the community are about to throw the biggest party of the year: Mountain Fair. So grab your kaftans, leave your shoes at home and get ready to head on down to Sopris Park July 26 to 28.
The heart and soul of the Fair are the people who make it happen, known as Friends of the Fair. These hundreds of volunteers who donate but a few hours of their time bring form to matter year after year.
One of the first things Carbondale Arts Director Jamie Abbott learned upon assuming her role was that Mountain Fair is “for the community, by the community.”
“We want everybody to come be part of it,” she continued. “Because when you’re part of it, you realize the magic that’s in it.” And, practically speaking, it takes a whole lot of hands to pull it off.
On top of the more than 400 general volunteer sign ups last year, there were volunteer supervisors, nonprofits volunteering at the Cantina and so many others giving their time in some way. “There’s just so much love being poured into it,” said Mountain Fair Chief of Operations Deborah Colley.
It’s also a great way for people new to the area to become integrated, expeditiously. “The Fair is an inclusive place where we wrap our arms around everyone,” said Colley. “We want everyone to find a sense of home and community, of belonging, at Mountain Fair. The best way to do that … is through volunteerism.”
Colley recalled volunteering for the Fair the second summer she was living in Carbondale — about 16 years ago. “I remember just having the best time,” she said. “As soon as I started doing stuff with Carbondale Arts that’s when I started meeting all of these people who are so important in my life … I think of Mountain Fair as my extended family.”
There are still lots of volunteer roles to fill, from set up to take down and everything in between. Joining the Parking Perimeter Team is a great way to feel the vibe of the Fair without getting in the thick of it — shade and water is provided.
Something new this year is business volunteer sponsorships. If a business signs up its team for either Green Team or Peace Patrol its volunteering employees can promote the business by wearing a piece of attire with the company brand, such as a hat or apron, along with their Friend of the Fair t-shirt. Signing up during peak hours will increase exposure, of course. If a business signs up by July 17, it will also be thanked in the Mountain Fair Program. Email emily@carbondalearts.com for more information.
Just four hours of volunteering gets you a Friend of the Fair shirt and the chance to win two Green Is The New Black tickets. Bilingual individuals are highly encouraged to sign up.
The Oasis
This year, The Oasis will be on Main Street in Carbondale spanning from Weant to Fourth Street, appropriately rebranded The Oasis Family Block Party. The stage will be on Weant and Main, anchoring that corner, said Colley.
“The way it’s coming together is awesome,” said Abbott.
A corridor of vendors on Weant will connect The Oasis to the rest of the Fair. La Raza will be serving outside on Main Street, there will be food vendors “and of course Peppino’s is right there,” said Colley.
Among many attractions, Thunder River Theatre Company will host a puppet making booth, there’ll be the kids’ carnival, street performances, interactive family hangout areas and fun activities to keep cool.
As an aside, guardians are reminded not to leave their children unattended at The Oasis.
Colley is optimistic that The Oasis expansion onto Main is a step in the right direction, providing more space and room for the Fair to breathe.
Sign up to volunteer and find a schedule of events at www.carbondalearts.com/mountain-fair