THE 5-MINUTE INTERVIEW: ANNE PANKRATZ
It’s now just a matter of weeks before the fourth South Dakota Chislic Festival unfolds on the grounds of the Freeman Prairie Arboretum, and a host of board members and other chislic festival supporters have been preparing to welcome thousands of people to the big to-do on Saturday, July 30. But not everything is in place. In fact, there is a major need for additional volunteer power to help run the all-day event, and Anne Pankratz is the one tasked with lining that up. Here’s her take on the need — and the festival as a whole.
Before we talk about the need for volunteers, can you speak to the size and impact of the festival as a whole?
Amazingly, over 300 volunteers help to make this day possible! The goal of this festival is to bring people together, eat some great chislic, shop the vendors, play bingo, let the kids play in the kid’s center, compete in the bean bag tournament, listen to great music and visit with friends and family. The goal of the South Dakota Chislic Festival is to create an atmosphere where everyone can enjoy themselves while giving back to the community.
How many volunteers do you have?
Not enough! This year we are short volunteers and will take them up to the last day. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our quick form at Sdchislicfestival.com/volunteer. I will contact you to see where you want to work, and then you will be signed up to work; it is as easy as that! We have four different time slots available during the day; you work when it works. Those that volunteer will get a T-shirt and a free meal to complete the donation of your time. Please plan to take a few hours or take a walk on the wild side, volunteer all day, but please plan to join us!
How many volunteers do you need?
As I stated before, altogether we will need over 300 volunteers to make this day go off without a hitch. We are so proud of the volunteers from the prior years who have taken the time to help us reach our goal of giving back to various groups in the surrounding areas. The board plans for a year to make sure the day will create memories for all who participate in the day, so join us and see what all the hype is about.
What are some of the ways people can help?
You can volunteer to help in the merchandise booth, drink booth, sell raffle tickets, or cook some chislic! There is a wide variety of jobs for everyone to carry out during the day. One of the reasons why I contact each volunteer is to make sure we match their talents. We have a wide variety of people that have made this festival what it is today.
What is something people don’t know about the Chislic Festival?
Last year we had over 12,000 people visit the Chislic Festival during the day. You can see firsthand by volunteering to help during the day to see what all goes into the Chislic Festival. It is crazy to think this festival is a complete and total success because of the wonderful volunteers that take the time to volunteer.
What can people expect on July 30?
Fun in the sun! You can play bingo all day, witness the festival from a ‘bird’s eye view with a helicopter ride; you can taste chislic. You can walk the vendors, listen to music, buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a pellet grill, and visit with friends and family. Above all, you can volunteer to make this day a great success! This festival is truly for all ages and will offer an excellent experience for one and all!
What are you most looking forward to about the day?
I cannot wait to see the people come together to make this day unforgettable. It is truly exceptional that our volunteers unite to make this day extraordinary; without them, this day would not be possible!
If you would like to be a volunteer, sign up under the “get involved” section at the festival website, sdchislicfestival.com, or call or text Anne at 605-359-4815.
