Old Courthouse Opening Festival - Ribbon Cutting

About the Event: Opening Day at the Old Courthouse celebrates 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, HVAC, an elevator, and other amenities. It’s only the second time the Old Courthouse has been renovated since its completion in 1864. The Ribbon Cutting ceremony will include performances by local groups and speeches given by public officials, followed by a festival in Kiener Plaza.

Our Opportunity: Ribbon Cutting Volunteers will be a part of history as they contribute to essential event operations during Opening Day. Volunteers will assist with crowd control, set-up and tear-down of the event, and hand out mementos as part of the event.

·       Chairs: Volunteers will assist events staff to set up chairs on 4th Street and help put chairs away after the ceremony is over.

·       Crowd Control: Volunteers will assist with crowd control as viewers watch the ceremony. 4th Street will be closed during the event, so volunteers will help ensure that park visitors watch the event safely and move from one event to the next in an orderly fashion.

·       Coins and Programs: Volunteers will hand out Opening Day coins and programs to attendees. The back of the programs will also have a passport of vendors and locations, to encourage park visitors to explore various festival booths.  

Reports to Gateway Arch Park Foundation 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 community members, 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, 9 a.m. – noon.  

Location: The Ribbon Cutting ceremony takes place at the Old Courthouse. The festival will be in Kiener Plaza.

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.