Volunteers are truly the heart of the Fergus Scottish Festival! As a not for profit volunteer run organization, we have close to 400 volunteers who support event delivery from the Board table to year long planning and weekend only support. The Festival prides itself on having a passionate and dedicated volunteer base with active happy volunteers who have been with us from one year to 50 years.
Many hands make light work and whether you volunteer by yourself, as a family, friend group, or to get highschool volunteer hours, every contribution, big or small, helps make us great.
Our Mission
To deliver a Festival dedicated to the preservation of the visual, musical, athletic and written heritage of Scotland and those Scottish people who made Upper Canada their home through a celebration of culture, history, competition and education.
As a Volunteer, you experience the magic first hand and help us bring the best of Scotland Without The Airfare to over 23,000 guests annually!
Areas & Duties
The Festival offers a variety of unique and engaging volunteer opportunities. Read on to learn more.
Festival Infrastructure
Setting the stage and ensuring infrastructure and amenities are in place, these volunteers help Site Setup & Teardown, Environment, Signage, and Flag teams.
Hospitality
Ensuring our attendees and volunteers have an exceptional experience, these volunteers support our Highland Pub, Whisky Village, Patrons Lounge, Sponsors Tent, Volunteer Lounge, and Ambassadors & Information teams.
Events & Programming
Supporting the Highland Games and special programming by ensuring everything runs smoothly and guests have a great time with our Clans & Heritage, Music, Featured Guest, and McKiddies teams.
Site Services
Supporting a seamless guest experience with our Gating, Parking, Concessions, Souvenir, Registration, Risk Management, and Finance teams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering
- Complete the Volunteer Application
- The Volunteer Coordinator will reach out to you to schedule a short interview so they can get to know a bit more about you and find a good fit for all! (Note: applicants will be contacted after April 1st)
Shifts are typically 4 or 8 hours, you can volunteer for a day, weekend, or the whole year!
A chance to be part of an amazing team while having a great time! Plus:
- Complimentary Festival Admission
- 4 Hours Worked - Single-Day pass for day you work
- 8+ Hours Worked - Weekend pass
- Volunteer T-Shirt
- Access to an indoor (and cool) Volunteer Lounge with cold/hot beverages and grab & go snacks during your shift
Yes! We have a mandatory Volunteer Training module that all volunteers must complete prior to their first shift. The link and password to this module will be sent to you with your shift confirmation.
Task-specific training will be provided to you by your Venue Lead when you arrive onsite. If you ever have any questions during your shift, please ask your Lead! We're here to help.
Yes! We accept volunteers looking for highschool hours.
For a signature of approval on your hours, please reach out to the Executive Director, ED@fergusscottishfestival.com.
The Festival accepts applications from volunteers 14+
Volunteer T-Shirts are to be worn at ALL times when volunteering.
Please do not wear your T-Shirt when you are not on shift. The T-Shirt represents that you are an official representation of the Festival and you are there to assist the attendees.
Highland garb is also welcome and encouraged!
Check-In: Before your first shift begins, head to the Volunteer Check-In Tent located at the front of Sportsplex near Gate 2 (see the map) to recieve your t-shirt, lanyard, and wristband, as well as check in for the first shift. If you have more than 1 shift, remember to swing by the Tent to do a quick check-in before your shift begins.
Check-Out: Once your shift has completed, you can either check out at the Tent, or text 519-787-0099 with your name and the time you finished your shift.
Shift is Before the Volunteer Check-In Tent is Open? Simply head to the Office/Security trailer located in the side parking lot of the Sportsplex (see the map).
Ready to Join The Team?
We would love to have you! Please complete the following form and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch.
FAQ & General Info
General questions about Festival weekend?
Visit our General Information and FAQ’s page!
