The Annual WV
Staff Appreciation Dinner

Some of these volunteers became involved through their love of acoustic music, but many offer their services more out of civic pride. After all, the Festival is responsible for “putting the town on the map” for thousands of people world-wide. Few towns of 12,000 people are as widely known.

The genius of the Walnut Valley Association has been their ability to motivate these volunteers, many of whom miss most of the music while performing their unsung roles, making the event a carefree time for fans. As a means recognizing the important role of these volunteers, the Association has an annual “Staff Appreciation Dinner” during the off-season. The Association provides the entree which is complemented by a pot-luck dinner. Local businesses and the Association donate door prizes. Some gag gifts and (of course) some musical entertainment are regular features of the event.

It has been my privilege to attend these events in recent years. Since my role in the Walnut Valley community has been that of amateur photographer and web designer, it seems appropriate to bring my camera to these events and share some memories with everyone.

If you're one of these volunteers, here's my chance to put you in the spotlight. If you're one of the fans or performers, here's a chance to see some of the faces of some of the people who make “Winfield” what it is to those of us who “come home” each year.

— Don Shorock