Stacy Walsh, of Niles, volunteers as the vice president of operations for the Four Flags Area Apple Festival. The festival takes place today through Sunday at the Apple Festival Fairgrounds, located at the corner of Lake and 17th streets in Niles.

What do you do for the Apple Festival?

I am the VP of operations of administration and have been on the board for about 15 years. I also do the lip synch contest, insurance and help out anyone who needs it

How did you get involved with the Apple Festival?

My grandmother (Vivian Stilwell) was one of the very first founders of the Apple Festival, so I grew up around it. She was always on the board so we always helped as kids — me, my brothers and sisters and mom and dad. She passed away three years ago and I’ve always stuck with it. It is nice to help everybody and to make it enjoyable for the whole community.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for the Apple Festival?

I just like to help. Like I said before, I grew up around it so it was something that stuck close to me. Helping the festival and the community has always been something fun to do every year. We spend from Jan. 1 working every week to get things together to put on a good festival for the community. It seems like I work up there more than I do my own job.

How important are volunteers to the festival?

Very important. None of our board members, associates or directors are paid. It is completely volunteer time. We feed our volunteers and try to give them as many perks as we can. I would probably say all together for one Apple Festival weekend we have about 150 volunteers. That’s why it is very important to have volunteers. We don’t get paid for it so it is something we like to do. It is more like a family here. Everybody is friendly to everybody and I think that’s why we get so many volunteers — everyone is welcome.

Why is the festival so important to the community?

Everything is free, so it won’t cost you anything to go to the festival. The only money you would have to spend is if you want food or your kids want to go on rides. Otherwise it is free for the whole community. Kids can come and play games for free and win cash prizes. All of our entertainment is free and family friendly. We will fill our whole entertainment tent and have moms and dads with their kids sitting outside on blankets. Parents don’t have to stress out about having the money for the Apple Festival.

 

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her as the Volunteer of the Week by calling Craig Haupert, community editor, at (269) 687-7720.