Preparing for special events like this Preakness hot air ballon parade starting at Oregon Ridge Park takes the help of may vollunteers.

If you have fond memories of taking your children to the many
special events in
and around Baltimore, you might want to consider volunteering your time to ensure

other families have the same opportunity for years to come.

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) is looking for volunteers
to
work behind the scenes at some of the city’s most popular events.

Be a giant balloon handler in the Preakness Celebration Parade on May 14, or
a
finish line official for the Pee Wee Preakness on May 17. Or how about a gallery

greeter or Children’s Park assistant at Artscape July 22 through 24. Author
escorts
are needed for the Baltimore Book Festival Sept. 23 through 25, and puppet
handlers are in short supply for the Thanksgiving Parade Nov. 19. All winter
long,
volunteers are sought to play Perky the Penguin, the official skating mascot
of the
Baltimore Ice Rink at Harbor Point.

“Volunteers are essential to producing quality events and programs,”
says Tracy
Baskerville, communications director for BOPA. “It’s a good experience
for any
participant, but especially for students interested in a career in event planning
or for
residents with a little extra time to spare.”

Many more jobs are available at each event, which accept teen volunteers as
well.
Volunteers under the age of 18 need parental consent, and those under 16 must

be accompanied by a parent.

For more information, call 410-752-8632 or e-mail
volunteer@promotionandarts.com.
Cheryl Clemens