Despite the success of Bowfest, it struggles with a chronic shortage volunteers to organize the event. Requests for volunteers last year secured much needed help for the day of the event, but requests to the broader community for new board members in 2014 and 2015 have been unsuccessful.
When I became involved in Bowfest 2013 an old family friend handed me an Undercurrent with a list of volunteers for Bowfest, 1978. This was the first year it was held in its current location and the names mentioned were a Who’s Who of Bowen in the Seventies. Among the gems was mention of Ellen Dorman, my Great Aunt, who was the recipient of the first “Citizen of the Year Award,” and who famously stated she couldn’t ride in the parade as she would be too busy cooking chicken for everyone at Bowfest.
With over 200 listed volunteers from an island population of less than 1,000 the community participation was impressive. It truly was a celebration for the community and by the community. How the times have changed. The island population has nearly quadrupled but the number of Bowfest volunteers has decreased by 70 percent.
Bowfest, our end-of-summer tradition does not happen overnight. It is the result of the efforts of volunteer teams and community groups, many of which rely on participation in the event to help raise much needed funds for their programs. Unfortunately we seem to have a short memory because the lack of volunteers has become a perennial theme for Bowfest.
At our 2014 AGM two board members stepped down, later in the year a third member moved off-island for personal reasons.
We did bring in a fabulous new Treasurer but the vacated roles were never filled.
Bowfest 2014 was a success with possibly the longest parade yet with had 31 entries. Fourteen acts entertained us on the main stage, presentations by the Gymnastics Club, Flowriders, Country Fair, assorted competitions, games and rides filled out a day enjoyed by an estimated 2000 locals and visitors. The Choir who ably manned the gates, and the Legion who once again ran the beer garden raised funds for their organizations. Financially the Bowen Island Community Fair Association (Bowfest) is in great shape, there are adequate funds in reserve to cover all costs should there be a rain-out year. Anyone who has been on the Bowfest Board understands the importance of this.
Now we find ourselves in mid-2015, and requests for more volunteers have gone largely unanswered. At our recent AGM one member stepped down due to work commitments, three of our members have expressed a desire to mentor replacements as two of them are now part-time residents, and as for myself, I need to spend more time with my elderly father, as well as build my business, and not have to postpone the Annual Nature Dive which I have run for the past eight years.
For Bowfest to continue we need people to step forward and fill the following roles; Chair, Secretary, Vice-Chair, Volunteer Co-ordinator, Field Co-ordinator (Rides, Community Groups and Vendors), Marketing & Fundraising Director and Food Vendor Co-ordinator. We are also seeking someone assist the Parade Co-ordinator this year with the goal of assuming the role in 2016. If this additional help materializes then Bowfest 2015 will be as fun and successful as it has in the past.
Please come to the community meeting being held at the Bowen Island Legion, 10:30am on Saturday June 6th. If the various roles are not filled then a long-standing summer tradition will unfortunately will not continue for 2015. Hope to see you there.
