VOLUNTEER AT SUMMERFAIR

Get Involved as a Member (“Green Shirt” Volunteer)

Discover the Green Shirt Tradition

In late May, a sea of vibrant green takes over Coney Island - the Green Shirts! Who are these enthusiastic individuals dressed in green? They are Summerfair Members, dedicated to enhancing the fair year after year.

But what exactly do they do?

Preparations for each fair commence shortly after the previous one ends. Green Shirts tirelessly work through the winter, ensuring everything is set for the upcoming fair and supporting our year-round awards and scholarship programs. However, the real excitement happens during the fair weekend. Alongside handling behind-the-scenes tasks, they assist artists and patrons, offering help and answers. You'll always find Green Shirts ready to jump into action.

Summerfair's growth and success are thanks to our Members.

Becoming a Summerfair "Green Shirt" Member

Joining is both easy and enjoyable. Anyone wanting to support our mission is eligible. To become a member, attend two Summerfair Cincinnati membership meetings and gain approval from two-thirds of attending members. New member elections are on each meeting's agenda. Members enjoy various benefits: voting rights, committee leadership opportunities, free entry to the annual fine arts and crafts fair, a complimentary fair poster after completing necessary shifts, and an invite to the annual dinner/party.

What's the cost?

Purchase your green shirt (approximately $15), and contribute your time and enthusiasm to Summerfair's mission.

Get Involved as a General Volunteer

Get ready for an unforgettable art and culture experience at Summerfair, Cincinnati's renowned fine arts and crafts fair. Our event, hosted annually, thrives with the help of our dedicated volunteers. Here's your chance to be part of the magic!

Since 1968, volunteers have been at the heart of Summerfair's success. Each year, we need more than 400 volunteers to make it happen at Coney Island.

Summerfair relies on volunteers to manage over 300 artists, coordinate performances, collaborate with food vendors, plan children's activities, and handle various tasks.

Join our volunteer team with just a two-hour commitment in roles like admission gate attendants, Youth Arts area assistants, poster and t-shirt sales, or VIP Concessions.

Perks for volunteers include free fair admission, complimentary parking, and bottled water during your shift. Be part of the Summerfair experience – sign up today!

Click the link above to open a fillable PDF. Once you have filled out the information, “save with your changes” to download the volunteer form and email it to osv@summerfair.org. 

You can also download the form to fill it out, then save and send to osv@summerfair.org OR print and mail the form to Summerfair Cincinnati, Attn: Fair Volunteers, 7850 Five Mile Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230.

Job Assignments are made on a first come, first served basis, so respond early! 

Fair Volunteer Job Descriptions

  • Welcome visitors to Summerfair! Tear tickets in half, hand out programs, and/or stamp hands for return to the fair. This is an ideal area to work with a group of friends.

  • Help to deliver pre-ordered box lunches to the artists’ booths. One volunteer will work alongside a Green Shirt. This is an on-your-feet job that involves walking the through the entire fair. We will need three volunteers on Saturday and three on Sunday.

  • Sell collectible Summerfair posters, t-shirts and souvenirs. Note – there is a responsibility with collecting money and making change. You will be working with Summerfair members as well as other volunteers. Each shift is limited to 2 volunteers.

  • Make the exhibitors welcome by serving light snacks and soft drink beverages along with a Summerfair member. This area will be in a sheltered location. Each shift is limited to 2 volunteers.

  • Help inspire children with pre-planned art activities. The Youth Arts area is in a sheltered area. Feel free to wear “play” clothes as you will be working with the children.