GEORGE WANTS YOU! (To volunteer)

By George Althoff
Executive Director

Two of our biggest events of the year are just around the corner – the annual Big Top Parade on Saturday, June 8, and the Chamber Golf Classic on Tuesday, June 18. Needless to say, having these two events within 10 days of each other is a bit daunting, but duty calls. Planning for both events is well under way.
Of course, we need the support of many volunteers to make both events successful. If you, your family members or friends are available to assist with either event, here are some of our needs:

Big Top Parade

• Corner guards – These volunteers are stationed at every intersection along the parade route to ensure that spectators stay clear of parade units. Shifts are from 10:30 until about noon, or whenever the last unit has passed your corner. The best part about this job is you get to see the parade up close!
• Staging area – These volunteers are stationed along the parade lineup route and assist units in finding their assigned spots in the parade. The shift is from 10 a.m. until the parade steps off at 11. That means there’ll still be time to find a spot to watch the parade!
• Shuttle parking lot – Volunteers are needed to staff the Slumberland parking lot from 9 until about 11 a.m. That’s where buses will be picking up spectators to shuttle them to the parade route.
• Cleanup – In past years, spectators have been very good about not leaving behind a lot of litter. But there’s always some people who do. These volunteers will make sure the parade route is left litter-free once the parade is over. This shift generally lasts from noon until no later than 1:30 p.m.
  You can find the digital signup sheet online here.

Chamber Golf Classic
Volunteers are needed for a variety of duties beginning at 9 a.m. until the dinner ends about 7 p.m. How can you go wrong with spending a couple of hours at Baraboo Country Club on a sunny June day?
We need help with registration, and with operating activities on the course. Please sign up here!
If you are interested in more information about volunteering for either event, please contact me at director@baraboochamber.com or Ben Bromley at memberrelations@baraboochamber.com.
The golf outing is nearly sold out, but we still need you on the course!

Grossenbacher elected to board
Congratulations to Festival Foods Store Director Jason Grossenbacher, who has been elected to the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Grossenbacher will fill the Retail category position vacated by Mary Dressen, who resigned effective April 1 due to her retirement. Grossenbacher will serve the remainder of Dressen’s term and then be eligible to serve for two more three-year terms. His selection was made by the Board of Directors in a special election per the Chamber’s bylaws.
Grossenbacher, a Baraboo native, has worked for Festival Foods for nearly 30 years. Through his work, he has been involved in various community initiatives, including helping to bring the Fourth of July fireworks back to Baraboo and supporting local food pantries. Jason previously served on the Board of Directors from 2018-20.
“I’m pleased to rejoin the chamber’s Board of Directors,” Grossenbacher said. “I look forward to helping the organization continue its efforts to promote tourism and strengthen the Baraboo Area business community.”