In any case, volunteers are seriously needed to fill all the gaps, from hosting international dancers to staffing gates and various booths of the multi-day event.
“This is a great opportunity that Bountiful residents have to welcome in people from various countries from around the world,” said Bountiful Mayor and festival enthusiast Joe Johnson. “We have an opportunity to open our doors and allow them to be a part of our families for about a week.”
Referring to the host family aspect of volunteerism, he recalled last year, when some Chinese visitors stayed at Sue and Randy Benson’s home. In a combined effort, Johnson hosted a barbecue in his backyard for those Chinese guests, with the meal prepared by the mayor’s native Chinese neighbor.
Hosting several young students can mean a commitment of four to eight days, with the option of families taking visitors for all or half the festival time, said Trixee Buckingham, BDSI housing director.
“There has been a shortage all across the board with volunteers this year,” she said. “In some cases, we think people just haven’t realized we might need the help.”
Organizers can’t contact everyone who might be interested in hosting youth or volunteering otherwise, but Buckingham emphasized that they are needed, appreciated, and welcome to respond.
“A host family father last year said he enjoys this so much, he takes five to eight people. He’ll rent a little bus,” she recalled. “He said it’s like going to a foreign country without leaving my house.”
The visiting dancers will arrive Sunday, Aug. 2, and stay until Aug. 9 or Aug. 10, depending on flight arrangements, Buckingham said.
“It is a big commitment, but once you have them, people share. Some say they’ll take them half a week, then say they’ll keep them the whole week. They have a blast,” she said.
Host families need to provide food and transportation, but often those duties can be shared with neighbors, who are often eager to spend time with the visitors, Buckingham said.
“The most fun is when you can get a whole neighborhood to take a group. It just becomes delightful,” she said. “People pitch in to help when they might not otherwise.”
Other volunteers are needed to fill Summerfest Committee slots in general for Aug. 5-8, to work the grounds, children’s art yard, at the gates. Commitments can be for a couple of hours a day.
“I just got a letter from China, from people who stayed here last year. They just loved it,” Johnson said.
“For some, it’s there first time in America, to come and see how we live, the quality people we are, and then for us to learn what quality people they are,” he said.
“It’s a wonderful exchange. Even though there is a little language barrier (perhaps), there’s not a heart barrier,” the mayor added.
Those willing and able to volunteer are asked to call the Bountiful/Davis Arts Center at 801-292-0367, and leave a voice mail message for Julie, volunteers, or Trixee, housing, or visit www.info@bdac.org.
tbusselberg@davisclipper.com
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