Summer's Startling Start

With Memorial Day weekend in the rear view mirror, it's full speed into summer now and just 94 days until the opening of this year's Irish Fest. In a lot of ways, we're right on schedule. Bands are booked, sponsorships are lining up, merchandise is being designed and ordered. But in one key way, one really huge way, we're off the pace. And it's a little alarming.

Volunteers.

Volunteer Coordinator Daneil Armstrong tells me that we're significantly off where were last year at this time on registered volunteers. Looking back at last year's postings here, we're actually closed some areas by now, having completely filled them with willing helpers. Why are we off stride in 2008? Beats me. Maybe you're distracted by the presidential campaign. Maybe high gas prices have you limiting the time you fire up the generator to turn on your computer. Maybe you were waiting to see if we'd win the Visitors' Choice Award for best festival again. Which we did. Maybe you just like making me nervous. But whatever, enough now. We need you. We need your friends and family. We need your coworkers and kids over 15. We need your classmates. We need over a thousand of you. And we need you to sign up right now. Please. You really will have fun, I promise. And you get free stuff. It'll take just a sec. Ready? Thanks.