Intern takes a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps the festival
running
Gilroy – Most every year, the Dispatch asks one of the writers to transform into the “Super Volunteer.” We are expected to throw off our news caps and indulge in a little “giving back to the community,” to give the reader a behind-the-scenes peek. This year, the title was handed to me. So I pumped up my muscles (not with steroids) and headed out to do my duty.
The first test was to go to Gourmet Alley and see what was up. I walked in, announced myself to as many people who would listen and was put in charge of dishing out calamari for Combo Plate #1.
I thought, “Oh, easy.” But at that point I didn’t realize that Gourmet Alley has more rules than a Catholic school. Here’s the laundry list: You must wear an apron and gloves, keep a hat, visor, or hair net on at all times, wash your hands every 30 minutes and do not give out more than four calamari per plate.
That last one seemed to be the most important. So I listened. I counted out four calamari per plate and topped it off with a lot of sauce.
I immediately learned there were volunteers that were completely on top of their game. I watched in amazement at how the place worked like a well-oiled machine.
But, after dishing out calamari for 20 minutes I mentally stuck a fork in it and said, “I’m done.”
My next job was to help take out the trash. I thought that this had to be the worst job so I was happy to get it done early. I jumped on the back of one of the tractors and helped out the Gilroy High School boy’s basketball team.
Their coach was driving the tractor. He said that this was their biggest fundraiser of the year, usually bringing in an estimated $7,500. But he said that it wasn’t just about that, it was also their civic duty to help out.
I thought that was awesome, but questionable. So I turned to some of the team and asked them why they were there.
“Coach told us,” was the unanimous answer.
That’s cool I thought, I didn’t want to be here either, but my editor told me to do it.
After riding around with the guys for a bit I started to gain more respect for them. Here they were dumping trash all day, but somehow finding ways to have a good time.
They would see someone they knew and jump off, have a conversation and then get back to work. Or we would pass by the frozen lemonade stand and they’d ask for a free sample. Good for them. Teenagers know how to get free stuff.
At first it seemed like this was going to be a piece of cake. No trash cans were overflowing and most were mostly empty. But that was because we were hitting the outskirts of the park and not where the masses were buying their combo plates and garlic sausage sandwiches. It still wasn’t as bad as I thought since the heavier cans were only half full, but they were still quite gross with things you probably don’t want me to mention as you’re eating breakfast.
After a trip around the park, I called it quits and moved on to help with parking. Micki Pirozzoli, the Garlic Festival president, escorted me to the huge festival lot. When I got there everyone seemed nice enough. So what was my job going to be? I was going to help direct traffic. But then they changed their minds.
Instead, I was used as part of a line that directed people. While working, several people made comments about the job we were doing.
“These guys in the yellow T-shirts are really helpful aren’t they?” one guy said to his crew. I wanted to say thanks but I think he was being condescending.
As much as people may have been annoyed with how the parking had been planned, the people out there were doing the best job they could. They were in the dirt with a slight wind kicking up dust in the sun with high humidity. They were hungry, thirsty, tired and bored. But they kept on going. Luckily, they were carted some garlic sausage sandwiches and refreshments. I probably don’t need to say this but they darted to the cart when it showed up.
After it was all done I did have a greater appreciation for those that volunteer. So many of them go unnoticed and if you never go behind the scenes you would never see how hard they work.
Although there were some kinks the festival seemed to run quite smooth. Without those volunteers the Garlic Festival would never happen. More than 100,000 people wouldn’t have the ability to buy a Herbie bobblehead doll, buy a peppersteak sandwich or just enjoy the atmosphere of the festival.
So now I learned why Garlic Festival officials thank the volunteers when it’s all over – because they deserve a pat on the back.
