Emily Utermark, 27, of Eau Claire, is a volunteer with the Dowagiac Ice Time Festival. The festival took place last Saturday in downtown Dowagiac

What do you do with the Dowagiac Ice Time Festival?

I help out with some of the games. Before the event [Ice Time Chairperson Kris Soenen} and I get together and go over what to do. I basically facilitated and organized all the different kids’ games.

How long have you been volunteering with the festival?

This is my fifth year. I got started when I worked at First Source Bank. I’ve just continued year after year. I enjoy working with Kris, and I like to help. It is a fun event to be a part of every year. I enjoy seeing it grow.

Do you volunteer anywhere else?

On the same day, I helped with the Daddy Daughter Dance by the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac. I [dressed up] as Olaf [from “Frozen”]. I don’t mind getting in the costume and dancing with the kids. I help with the Dowagiac Conservation Club, too. I help with their archery department.

What do you like about volunteering?

I enjoy doing stuff I like to do and sharing that with other people.

Why do you think volunteers are important to events like Ice Time?

Without volunteering, they wouldn’t happen. Without sponsors or volunteers, it wouldn’t be an event.

How would you encourage others to volunteer?

I think it is important to give some of your time to others and to share some of the time that you have.