Galveston Bay Foundation’s Houston Oyster & SeaFest is expecting up to 500 guests who will enjoy a variety of menu items from some of Houston’s top restaurants. The festival serves as an introduction to our Oyster Shell Recycling Program and the many restaurants with whom we partner currently.
Your participation will positively impact our Festival because you will have made ready the event for our restaurant participants, vendors, sponsors, and guests! There is not enough GBF staff to handle all aspects of the Festival and so we rely on you, our trusty volunteers.
TASKS
• Unload event supplies from box truck
• Setting up event signage on surrounding streets
• Set up registration and ticketing
• Hang and place signs or banners
• Unload the Oyster Team Truck and trailer
• Set up GBF booths and event areas
• Place oyster recycling bins and buckets
• Set up drink and water stations
• Assist restaurant partners as needed
• Assist staff as needed
WAIVERS & REGISTRATION
All volunteers are required to register and complete a service waiver to participate in this event.
AM SHIFT welcomes volunteers ages 14+.
All minors must submit a waiver signed by their parents or legal guardian. Only a parent or legal guardian can waive 3rd party liability. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone.
COMMUNICATIONS
You will receive a 1-week reminder email with more details about your shift in addition to a final 48-hr confirmation. Please respond to the 48-hr email to confirm your participation.
WHERE TO GO & PARKING
Volunteers will meet at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park. Parking is free and available in Lot H, just a short walk from the event. Street parking is also available in the immediate area around the Water Works. Onsite parking at the Water Works will be limited (Map will be provided)
WHAT TO BRING & WHAT TO WEAR
• CLOSE-TOED shoes that cover the feet well; no flip-flops, no sandals, no crocs.
• Wear sun protection like sunglasses and a hat.
• Apply sunscreen and insect repellant (Tip: first apply sunscreen, allow it to dry, and then apply insect repellant.)
• Comfortable outdoor clothing. Check the weather before you leave.
• A 32oz refillable water bottle.
GBF WILL PROVIDE
• Extra Sunscreen and bug spray
• Water cooler with ice water to refill your bottle
• First Aid as needed
SAFETY NOTES & ADVICE
• Sturdy, closed toed shoes must be worn in all areas.
• Work as a team; buddy up!
• NOTES ABOUT YOUR SITE: Buffalo Bayou Park is the 160-acre greenspace that lies just west of downtown Houston. This area of Houston is densely populated, and streets can get busy. The park is also well-visited and open to the public. Be mindful of personal belongings, both those on your person and those left in your car. Watch children carefully – don’t allow young children on trails without supervision. Obey all traffic signals when crossing major intersections. Never cross an area without a designated pedestrian traffic signal. There are steps and ramps alongside natural areas. Be mindful of stinging insects, low branches on the trails, and crowded areas and walkways.
SCHEDULE
• 8:00 AM: Volunteers will arrive at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park
• 8:00 AM - 8:15 AM: Check in and change into Volunteer T-Shirts
• 8:15 AM - 8:25 AM: Welcome, intro talk and safety talk by GBF Staff, assigned volunteer roles
• 8:25 AM - 10:20 AM: Set up Houston Oyster & SeaFest Event
• 10:20 AM - 10:30 AM: Thank you, Good Byes!
• 10:30 AM: Shift Ends!
