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DETROIT LAKES — Kasey Fetzer and Andrew Lessin don’t want the Jacyees to hog all the fun. The two co-admirals of the Northwest Water Carnival in Detroit Lakes invite all (who are 18 and older) to volunteer during the 10-day city-wide bash.
From July 8-17, events are scheduled day, afternoon and night, and all require volunteers.
“There is something for everyone,” Fetzer said.
There are many options for volunteering. For example, those who enjoy helping organize kids events, or playing referee during a competition. People who are not fans of big crowds can consider helping with setup prior to a popular event, such as the Bash on the Beach. People watchers also have many opportunities to jump in and help.
“We need help at the kickoff party carding and serving people and monitoring what’s going on,” Fetzer said, adding similar help is needed for the Bash on the Beach, which boasts two nights of concerts — one geared toward rock and the other country.
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Lessin said his early days of volunteering with the Northwest Water Carnival began when he attended the family day and saw an opportunity to jump in and help with a kids' activity. He explained it was fun to be in the thick of an event, and providing those experiences for residents and visitors gifted him with a sense of community building.
Fetzer emphasized volunteers don’t need to sign up for an eight-hour commitment; just an hour or two would be appreciated.
To review potential events for volunteering, the full schedule of the Northwest Water Carnival is posted on the Jaycee’s website ( www.dljaycees.com/water-carnival-3 ) and on their Facebook page .
Lessin said if someone wanted to sign up to volunteer, simply message the Jaycee’s Facebook Page or email detroitlakesjaycees@gmail.com.
“Or, just show up and let people know you are interested in helping out,” Lessin said. “That’s what I did.”
The Jaycees have about 25 volunteers, not including the past members who return to help boost the numbers.
“When you think of how many thousands of people come to the Northwest Water Carnival, we can easily use 60-plus volunteers,” Fetzer said. “A lot of people don’t realize how much it takes to put on these events; it really is a huge production.”
Fetzer noted in addition to the volunteers, the beloved celebration heading into its 86th year wouldn’t be possible without the businesses and individuals who donate to host more than 60 events.
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“We’re lucky to have such great financial support, volunteers to host the events and the people who come to participate,” Fetzer said.
