Old Courthouse Opening Festival

About the Event: Opening Day at the Old Courthouse is to celebrate the completion of the largest public-private partnership in the history of the National Park Service. After several years, the Old Courthouse will re-open to the public with new exhibits, an elevator, and other amenities. It’s only the second time the Old Courthouse has been renovated since it’s completion in 1864. The OCH Opening Day Festival will be in Kiener Plaza immediately following the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Our Opportunity: Old Courthouse Festival volunteers will be a part of history as they contribute to essential events operations during Opening Day. Volunteers are invited to watch the Ribbon Cutting ceremony in-between assisting with set-up and tear-down. Volunteers will be expected to be flexible and may be assigned any of the following tasks throughout the day:

·       Chairs: Volunteers will assist events staff to set-up chairs on the main stage, and help put chairs away after the ceremony is over.

·       Festival Booths: Volunteers will help set up the festival booths in a timely manner before the ceremony begins or after the festival is over. There are 10 booths, and each one comes with a tent, table, chairs, and other equipment.

·       Guest Services: Volunteers will assist GAPF staff at the welcome tent with answering questions from visitors and share information about the event passport program.

·       Greeters: Volunteers will be located at various areas to answer questions, guide invited guests in the right direction, hand out programs, and direct guests from the parking area to the Old Courthouse. One volunteer will be located at each wing, and another in Kiener Plaza. This is an outdoor position. 

Reports to Gateway Arch Park Foundation on-site staff.

Roles and Responsibilities:

18 or older (younger applicants with parental/guardian approval may be considered). As representatives of Gateway Arch Park Foundation, volunteers must adhere to the policies, procedures, and code of conduct as outlined in the volunteer handbook provided prior to or during training.

The Old Courthouse Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will include high profile dignitaries and donors, so professionalism and hospitality are our top priorities. This means we expect volunteers to deliver quality customer service to guests and vendors.

Required Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent communication skills

• Enthusiasm, friendliness, and a positive attitude

• Present themselves in a professional manner

• Respect for confidentiality of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s volunteers, partners, members, and donors

• Willingness to take initiative, and voice ideas

Physical Requirements:

·       Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods of time.

·       Lift 20+ pounds

Dress Code for Events:

·       Teal GAPF t-shirt and name tag

Commitment: May 3rd, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., or 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Location: The Ribbon Cutting ceremony takes place at the Old Courthouse. The Festival takes place in Kiener Plaza directly across the street from West side of the Old Courthouse.

Training and Supervision:

• Volunteer Orientation will take place on Zoom on Wednesday, April 30 at 5 p.m.  

• Training will be provided in a hands-on manner before the event begins. Staff will be present to give directions and answer any questions.  

Volunteer Perks:

• Contribute to a national park, Gateway Arch National Park!

• Annual volunteer recognition event

• Free parking if needed during volunteer hours

Gateway Arch Park Foundation is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for all. Please request any accommodation(s) needed using the contact information below.  

Thank you for wanting to be a part of our team. We could not serve the community of St. Louis without you!

About Gateway Arch Park Foundation

Gateway Arch Park Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to ensure the Gateway Arch, its grounds, neighboring public spaces, and attractions are a vital, active, and welcoming, well-supported resource to the community and nation for generations to come. The Foundation is part of an alliance that helps meet this mission, which includes the National Park Service, Bi-State Development, Great Rivers Greenway, Jefferson National Parks Association, and the City of St. Louis. For more information, visit ArchPark.org.