Murphy Maize Days calls for volunteers, performers
There is no shortage of ways Murphy residents can get involved with the annual Maize Days celebration, says Kayla McFarland, Special Events Coordinator.
“We’re certainly aware that different people have different preferences,” she said. “Some people are more into volunteering, others like to stay in the background by being a sponsor, and still others are very much into being front and center. Fortunately, we have opportunities for all three!”
Maize Days is set for Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Murphy Municipal Complex, 206 North Murphy Road. Start time for the festival is 10 a.m. and runs continuously until the fireworks display at 8 p.m. Free parking is available at Kimbrough Stadium and Murphy Marketplace, both of which include shuttle service throughout the day.
For those with a preference to volunteer, registration is now open at www.murphymaizedays.com. Volunteer hours can count toward school activities like National Honor Society, or scouting purposes among others. Organizations can use the volunteer hours toward their Community Service Exchange investment.
“Volunteering is a great way to accumulate hours and have fun engaging with residents,” said McFarland. “We provide T-shirts, refreshments and lots of gratitude. Without our great volunteers the festival would not be possible.”
Volunteers are needed for vendor set up and tear down, surveys, Kid Zone, greeters, pet area, and for the A-Maize-ing Races. Shifts are early morning, morning, afternoon, and evening.
Similarly, sponsorships are very important to making the festival successful. Sponsorships give local and area merchants access to a high-value customer base, and they offer unique opportunities to create a one-of-a-kind brand experience for customers and potential customers. Businesses can get more information by sending an e-mail to murphymaizedays@murphytx.org.
And, for those who have an itch to perform, the Karaoke Corn Idol Contest returns! Rob Hunter of Ballard Street Music Co. is accepting pre-registrations for the contest. Trophies are up for grabs for top vote-getters in the 9 and younger, 10-13, 14-18, and 19 and over age categories. Second and third places in each category get medals. Registration for the corn idol contest can be completed on the Maize Days website, or on the morning of the event.
“The corn idol contest happens on the Community Stage, where we will have lots of other entertainment prior to the noon start of the contest,” she said.
Community Stage performers include T.I.M.E.S., Nirva Shah, Emma’s Gifts, Dallas Karate, Dazzlers Drill Team and will conclude with an open stage/mic after the corn idol contest.
Finally, vendors wishing to set up a booth for food and merchandise should not hesitate to register as spots are filling quickly. Information for vendors can be obtained at www.murphymaizedays.com.
“We’re expecting large crowds and plenty of fun,” she added. “But we can’t do it without those crucial volunteers, sponsors, vendors and performers. Nevertheless, we feel very confident that we’ll have another great festival.”