This week I am busy preparing a special secret project that I am making for the Hillside Music Festival Volunteer Village. This will be my 18th Hillside, all of them as a volunteer or as family helping out by looking after little ones so others can work.
Hillside is more than just a festival to me. It’s a community of like-minded people brought together to celebrate summer, music, art, food, the environment and each other. As a volunteer, I have found a new family with other like-minded souls; generous, hard-working, fun-loving people. People who care about me, acknowledge me, sometimes infuriate me, and always make me laugh and feel great.
I am a better person when I’m with my Hillside community. I work hard to make others experiences better. I share my food, my time, and my belongings. I contribute to the greater cause by creating a fun, enjoyable experience for other volunteers with food, stories, music, firewood, singing, dancing, games, or arts and crafts made just for the joy and beauty of it.
Volunteerism brings together people for a common cause and the Hillside Music Festival is a great reason to come together, whether that be as a volunteer or an attendee. Consider coming out to it this weekend. If you miss this one, there’s always next year. I’ll see you there!