Information for Volunteers

King of the Log is a charitable organization that raises funds for arts and theater programs in the public schools.  Our staff is all volunteers we are always looking for new cast members.   Not only is volunteering with King of the Log (KOL) fun it can lead to other great performance opportunities at the Festival.    KOL alumni include members of the biggest drawing stage acts at the Festival, the royal court and many street characters.  If you want to try out your "act" as a renaissance character - join us.  Or if you just want to help, we welcome folks like that as well. If you have never volunteered before read on.  If you have already contacted us and are on the schedule please read this information..  For the most up to date information on volunteering click on this link. (If you would like to be on our mailing list please click here and fill out the form.) We also have a Yahoo group devoted to King of the Log. Please feel free to join this list to participate in various discussions and also have a chance to view many pictures of people from King of the Log.

Here is what we ask:

• You work for us one 6 hour shift (8:00 am to 2 PM or 1:00 PM to 7 PM)
• You give it your all to help and do your best to be part of  our peasant village

This is what you get:

• Free admission to the festival
• A nifty costume to wear (sorry -  we are peasants so its not too fancy but it is still fun to dress up)  
• Training for your role in our little drama
• Help and encouragement from our permanent cast
  

We have three basic jobs in which you can partake:

• Gate attendant and money taker  (for folks who are a little shy - adults only please)
• Referee  (the basic soul of the game or blocking and tackling in the entertainment business)
• Hawker (work the crowd and entice them to play) Hawking is for volunteers with an outgoing personality and those working on an "act."

You will need to provide your full name, phone number and address.  If you are under 18 we will also need your age and the name of the accompanying adult sponsor.  

If you would like to help please contact Brenda Reedy at brendareedy@charter.net by e-mail at least one week in advance of the weekend day that you would like to work. We prefer that you contact the coordinators.

Please do not come to the festival unless you have talked with a coordinator or have received an e-mail confirmation that you are scheduled to work. 

Huzzah!

Information for Volunteers scheduled to work

After you have contacted the weekend steward, and booked a date, the following information should be helpful. This is our thirty forth year at the festival and we need your help to make it a success. The log site emergency number that you can be reached at while volunteering is 612-715-3348. If you should have an emergency and are unable to attend we ask that you please contact your weekend steward or Char Thomasson at 612-825-8070.

Directions

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is located south of Chaska. To get there from the Twin Cities go I-35W South to I-494 West or Hwy 62 West. Take Hwy 169 South. Follow the signs to the Festival as you approach Shakopee and Chaska. It takes about 30-45 minutes to get to the Festival from the Twin City area. More detailed directions are available on the directions page. Park anywhere in the lot. You must enter through Gate B. Your name will be on the King of the Log list at Gate B. Get in line and they will give you your pass. You must keep your pass with you at all times. You must have your pass to leave through Gate B.

On Site

Our on-site Log shifts are from 8:00-2:00 or 1:00-7:00. The Fest starts at 9:00 AM cannon and ends with the drum jam dance from 6:30 to 7. It is very important that you arrive on time, so that you have time to dress into a costume, situate your personal belongings and to be oriented to your volunteer job by the start time. We have private dressing spaces & lockers for personal belongings. You may bring your own lock. Your Steward will sign you in and help you to get trained-in. You can bring food with you or purchase it at the Festival. No alcohol is allowed during Festival hours. We have water. We have a first aid kit. There are Safety Services & a nurse on the Fest site. Bring your suntan, bug lotion and “hay” medicine! If you have any questions please contact your weekend Steward. Please note the first shift starts at 8:00 am; which means you need to plan to be at the Festival grounds by 7:30 am in order to get through gate B and into costume on time. The second shift begins at 1:00 pm, which means traffic could be bad you may want to plan accordingly. If you are coming for the second shift avoid the afternoon traffic and incoming lines by coming early and enjoying the Festival. If you come late do not get caught parking far away, drive to the Gate B parking area where you will usually find a spot to park. We expect that if you sign up for a shift and come in under our pass, you work your entire shift. Thank you.

Costume Information

Costume information is available if you click here.

Stewards