"A sense of unrestricted thoughtfulness"
Open Flair Festival: A Volunteer-Powered Event
The Open Flair festival, a much-loved event in the heart of Kassel, Germany, is a testament to the power of volunteerism. This year, from August 6th to 10th, the festival will once again take centre stage, thanks in large part to the dedication of its volunteers.
Unlike many large festivals that are organised by companies, the Open Flair is the brainchild of the Arbeitskreis Open Flair e.V. club. The festival's skeleton crew consists of a handful of full-time employees, including one permanent employee, two technician apprentices, three trainees, and two individuals completing their voluntary social year.
The festival's success, however, is not solely dependent on its small staff. Volunteers play a crucial role, contributing to the organisation and operation of the event. They assist with various essential roles, such as event operations, welcoming guests, liaising with artists, helping manage booths, and supporting behind-the-scenes activities.
Jana Baum, a 33-year-old volunteer from Schwalmstadt, is one such individual. She ended up volunteering at the festival by chance after her father scouted the camping fields for professional reasons. Now, Jana spends her vacation days working 13-hour shifts as a traffic guide, a role she plans to reprise next year.
Another dedicated volunteer is Dieter Holzhauer, a 61-year-old from Zierenberg, who has been helping out for five years. Dieter specialises in guiding campers and enjoys the sense of community the festival fosters. He also appreciates the many special vehicles, including old fire trucks, that grace the festival grounds.
René Grahl, who works in a software company, and his wife Sandra, a prokurist in financial accounting, also lend their time to the festival. René has been helping out since 2013 and manages the artists on a stage. Sabine Wilke, the festival spokeswoman, is a volunteer as well.
Artists at the Open Flair festival often leave notes in the dressing room thanking the volunteers, a testament to the impact these individuals have on the festival's success. Lisa Görlich, a 30-year-old special education teacher from Dortmund, is in charge of the food-sharing stand at the festival where visitors can leave leftover food for others to use.
Without volunteers, the Open Flair would not be possible. As René Grahl from Meinhard-Jestädt puts it, "Volunteers are critical to creating a positive festival experience."
While volunteers at the Open Flair festival can watch the bands for free, they do not receive many other perks. However, the reward for many is the sense of community, the opportunity to contribute, and the appreciation from the artists and attendees.
For more information about volunteering at the Open Flair festival, visit their official website.
Volunteers, such as Jana Baum and Dieter Holzhauer, play essential roles in the organization and operation of the Open Flair festival, contributing to event operations, welcoming guests, liaising with artists, managing booths, and supporting behind-the-scenes activities. Other selfless individuals, like René Grahl and Sandra, from the home-and-garden of Meinhard-Jestädt, also lend their time to the festival, with René managing artists on a stage. Traveling from across Germany, these volunteers foster a unique lifestyle at the Open Flair, influencing the festival's success and creating a positive experience for all attendees.
