By Tracy Thompson, NWM Volunteer Coordinator
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
Welcome Center Assistance Appreciated
A dedicated crew of ongoing volunteers are instrumental to staffing our Welcome Center. Special appreciation goes out to Mari Friend and Anna Shaffer, who are always shining stars in their ability to merchandise and assist with retail inventory. Volunteers Sandra Baughman, Alice King, Dick Benesch, Sue Kutsch, Susan Camp, Suzanne Murray, and Myron Gauger all assist with Welcome Center tasks, but more importantly, field incoming phone calls, handle guest inquiries and assist with retail purchases each and every day!
Office Support Volunteers at the Heart of the Action
Thank you so much to volunteers Anne Cameron, Alice King and Anna Shaffer for their work staffing the front desk at the NWM Administrative Offices. They welcome visitors and capably assist with administrative tasks.
Boatshop Volunteers
Thank you to Tim Rohrer, John Quinn, Reid Sigmond and Guy Smith for volunteering in the Boatshop.
Posters were Posted!
Thank you so much to Jeanette Wagner for braving the cold temperatures to post some posters announcing the She Tells Sea Tales event around town. Much appreciated!
New! Volunteer Information Meetings: First and Third Tuesdays
Upcoming Tuesdays: March 4 and March 18, 12 – 1 PM
Location: Stan Cummings Room – located in the red building (upstairs and to the left, third door on the left)
Are you curious about the many volunteer opportunities available with Northwest Maritime? Every year we are deeply grateful for the tremendous community support we receive from volunteers in order to present the Wooden Boat Festival; and for all the help of the talented folks who volunteer year-round here at Northwest Maritime.
Attend this one-hour session to learn about current opportunities, upcoming event needs, as well as leadership roles at the Festival. RSVP to volunteer@nwmaritime.org if you would like to attend.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
She Tells Sea Tales Volunteers
Support is needed for this impactful event which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, offering two presentations with 12 different speakers. She Tells Sea Tales is sold out for both dates, March 8 & 9th, but you can still volunteer!
Venue Set-up
Assist with bar and concessions set-up and other pre-event tasks.
Sunday shift: 11:30 – 3:30 PM
Dishwasher
Feel the power of the commercial dishwasher in our catering kitchen, as you clean the glassware at the event. Help bus dishes and clean up at the end of the event, as well.
Saturday shift: 4 – 9 PM, Sunday shift: 1 – 5 PM
Venue Tear Down
Help with bar and concessions tear down.
Saturday shift: 8 – 10 PM, Sunday shift: 5 – 7 PM
Wooden Boat Festival Captain Volunteers
The 48th annual Wooden boat Festival takes place this year on September 5-7, 2025 and we are seeking volunteers who are ready to step into a leadership role. This event relies on capable volunteers who serve as captains; they organize and direct the volunteers for separate areas of the festival. We are currently seeking captains for the following areas:
Greeter Captain, Festival Headquarters
Does the thrill of being in the middle of Festival comings and goings interest you? As the captain of this team you will be guiding visitors, volunteers and vendors to the correct check-in location. You’ll lead the volunteers who check wristbands; direct people to Main Gate or Volunteer Check-in; and assist exhibitors & musicians coming and going through their special gates. With your kind but firm demeanor, you are contributing to the success of the Festival in a big way.
Venue Host Captain
Manage and direct the volunteers who support the presenters on our many stages. Direct the welcoming, organization and crowd control for the dozens of presentations that take place during the festival. You’re gracious, organized and detail-oriented!
Vendor Concierge Captain
You’ll be the go-to person for our 65 vendors, welcoming, directing and guiding set up and clean up.
Staging Captain
Supplies and equipment, this Festival abounds with stuff! You’ll manage the equipment and supplies and organize it in the staging area before the festival and coordinate its storage after the event.
If you are interested in any of these opportunities, we would love to talk to you! Contact Tracy Thompson at volunteer@wbf.org, or call 360.316.1570.
Small Craft Maintenance Volunteer
We are looking for one or two reliable, hardworking volunteers to assist Galen Piehl, our Program Operations Coordinator, in the NWM Boatshop. Responsibilities will vary weekly and may include boat maintenance, light repairs, sanding, scraping, and painting small craft, as well as organizing equipment and workspaces.
If you enjoy hands-on work and are detail-oriented, reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Tracy Thompson at volunteer@nwmaritime.org to find out more.
SEVENTY48 and WA360 Volunteers
Interested in supporting these amazing adventure races? We’ll need Finish Line Captains and support crew, as well as assistance at the starting line and for pre and post race events. The positions will go live online on April 1, but you can indicate your interest before then by emailing volunteer@nwmariime.org