TopVolunteerMerleFest 2016 now accepting volunteer applications
Taken at MerleFest 2015
Photo by Mickey Leapley

MerleFest 2016, presented by Window World, is now accepting applications for its popular volunteer program. MerleFest 2016 will take place April 28-May 1.
 
Volunteer applications will be accepted online . Those who prefer a hard copy application may request one by emailing [email protected] or calling 336-838-6262. Anyone who wishes to volunteer should complete an application early because slots fill up quickly.

The Volunteer section of the MerleFest website,
www.MerleFest.org, provides additional details about volunteering at MerleFest. 
CASCTopMerleFest solicits vendor applications for 2016 festival
 
The Shoppes at MerleFest     Photo by Bobbi Jennings

MerleFest
is now
soliciting applications from vendors and artisans for the 2016 festival.
 
"MerleFest prides itself on presenting vendors and artisans offering unique goods and items you don't see every day," says Melissa Stanley, Events Logistics Specialist for MerleFest. "In fact, our guests are curious each year to see what vendors are here and what treasures they might find. The distinctive items available in The Shoppes are things that you can't find in most retail establishments. Our challenge is to keep the surprises coming for our MerleFest shoppers."
 VolunteerarticleMerleFest 2016 now accepting volunteer applications 

MerleFest 2016
, presented by Window World, is now accepting applications for its popular volunteer program. MerleFest 2016 will take place April 28-May 1.
 
Volunteer applications will be accepted online. Those who prefer a hard copy application may request one by emailing [email protected] or calling 336-838-6262. Anyone who wishes to volunteer should complete an application early because slots fill up quickly. The Volunteer section of the MerleFest website, www.MerleFest.org, provides additional details about volunteering at MerleFest.
 
With over 800 individuals participating each year, MerleFest volunteers are considered vital to the success of the festival. While some come from the surrounding community to help out, volunteers for the festival also come from all over the world, many of whom make their work at MerleFest an annual event.
 
An obvious benefit to being a MerleFest volunteer is admittance into the festival: each volunteer receives free entry for each day a shift is worked (usually three to five hours long); volunteers may work one, two, three or all four days of the festival.
 
In addition to being an exciting opportunity to experience a world-renowned festival of music, moments and memories up-close, the vast network of volunteers who support MerleFest help make the festival a highly successful fundraiser, as well. As the festival benefits Wilkes Community College, volunteers - while working on campus - get to enjoy the buildings and gardens that the monies raised through MerleFest make possible each year. 
 
Lee K. Cornett, the MerleFest volunteer coordinator, urges music fans to consider the MerleFest volunteer program. "Volunteering is a great way to give back. And, it is so much fun to volunteer at MerleFest - you walk on campus and feel the excitement in the air," says Cornett. "It's a special homecoming, meeting new friends and seeing old ones that you only see once a year at the festival. At the end of the day, you feel like you have made a difference and been a part of something really big."
 
Tickets for MerleFest 2016 go on sale November 10 and may be purchased at www.MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. A three-tiered pricing structure will be offered for MerleFest 2016. An Early Bird Tier 1 ticket discount is available starting November 10 through February 15, 2016. An Early Bird Tier 2 ticket discount will run from February 16, 2016, through April 27, 2016. The third price tier will be gate pricing. Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the extended early bird discount.

CASCarticleMerleFest solicits vendor applications for 2016 festival
 
Curtis Cecil of Crystal Palace Glass Photo by Chad Casterline
MerleFest is now
soliciting applications from vendors and artisans interested in participating in the 2016 festival.
 
"MerleFest prides itself on presenting vendors and artisans offering unique goods and items you don't see every day," says Melissa Stanley, Events Logistics Specialist for MerleFest. "In fact, our guests are curious each year to see what vendors are here and what treasures they might find. The distinctive items available in The Shoppes are things that you can't find in most retail establishments. Our challenge is to keep the surprises coming for our MerleFest shoppers."
 
MerleFest will accept applications from vendors and retail merchants for The Shoppes at MerleFest and from demonstrating artisans and crafts persons for the Heritage Crafts tent.
 
Anyone interested in participating in The Shoppes at MerleFest or the Heritage Crafts area should visit  www.MerleFest.org/vendors/ to review the rules and guidelines for vendors and to download an application. This website offers all information pertinent to vendor participation. MerleFest will accept applications through January 31, 2016. A selection committee reviews all applications and makes the selections. Acceptance letters will be mailed to selected vendors in February 2016. All vendors will be required to pay their tent fee prior to the festival or MerleFest will cancel the application and offer the tent location to a wait-listed vendor.
 
All of The Shoppes are set up on pavement. Located immediately through the Entrance Gate, most of the paying public must walk through The Shoppes to get to the main stage and walk back through The Shoppes when exiting. This greatly increases the foot traffic that vendors have visiting their booths.
 
"MerleFest always aims to provide a unique shopping experience by inviting vendors with diverse product selection. I strongly encourage anyone with distinctive, unusual or highly sought after merchandise to consider participating in MerleFest 2016," says Stanley. "This year marks our 29th year and is sure to deliver the MerleFest music, moments and memories that we've all come to love."


MerleFest 2016  -  April 28-May 1, 2016
Important Dates
11/10/2015     - Initial Lineup Announced (2 p.m.)
11/10/2015     - Opening Day Ticket Sales (2 p.m.)
01/18/2016     - Online Media Credential Request applications available
01/31/2016     - Vendor application deadline
03/18/2016     - Media Credential Request application deadline 
04/15/2016     - Deadline for volunteers to cancel without penalty
04/22/2016     - Volunteer Application deadline
04/28-05/01    - MerleFest 2016