We need over a hundred volunteers for our annual Mississippi River Challenge, July 25-26, 2009. If you like large-scale, high-energy events, this is the perfect opportunity. It's also perfect for groups of all sizes.

Volunteers provide hundreds of paddlers with support, assistance, food and beverages, and a healthy dose of encouragement and good cheer.

The Challenge is a 44-mile paddle through the metro area that raises awareness of the importance of the Mississippi River. Along the route, there are over a dozen stops at which paddlers rest, refuel and learn about special places along the river. Individuals and volunteer groups are needed at each MRC route stop, from Coon Rapids Dam, through Minneapolis and Saint Paul, to Grey Cloud Island. With the support and direction of FMR staff, volunteers help with general event/site assistance — from greeting participants and visitors and helping with refreshments to directing traffic. Qualified volunteers are also sought for Safety Captains and First Aid Assistance (see below).

Three and four-hour event-assistance shifts are available Friday evening, July 24, and in the morning, afternoon and evening of Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26. Volunteers can sign up for as many shifts as they like. Those completing two full shifts or eight hours or more gain free entry to the Night at the Fort.

Volunteers receive a Challenge t-shirt and meals or snacks at their volunteer site(s), not to mention the gratitude of paddlers and staff.

A large number of volunteers are especially sought for the afternoon/evening party at Fort Snelling Saturday, July 25, the party includes a large meal, live music and a historical reenactment which volunteers are free to enjoy while attending their duties. Volunteers willing to help serve the paddlers and cyclists breakfast the next morning and help the paddlers re-enter the water can also pitch a tent in the historic Fort for the evening, alongside the paddlers.

A list of the shifts and locations as well as a volunteer registration form is available at the Mississippi River Challenge web site. If this is your first time volunteering for the Challenge, you’re overwhelmed by the choices or you have a group of 10 or more volunteers, please contact FMR Volunteer Coordinator sue rich at 651-222-2193 x14. sue is typically in the office Tuesdays through Thursdays.

Special volunteers sought for First Aid assistance

Lifeguards, nurses, EMTs and other health care professionals are also needed at each paddler rest and volunteer stop. If you’re involved in the health care industry or have up-to-date first aid training, please contact sue rich through our contact form or at 651-222-2193 x14 with your name, a sentence or two about your experience, and contact information.