Opportunities From: United Way of Bartholomew County Volunteer Site

Help keep the excitement flowing and the competition running smoothly! As a Race Coordinator for Columbus Riverfest featuring Ya Gotta Regatta, you’ll play a key role in managing the rhythm of the cardboard boat races from start to finish.

This role blends coordination and timing to ensure each heat runs on schedule, teams are ready when called, and results are accurately recorded. You’ll be right in the middle of the action, helping make sure every race is fair, fun, and organized.

Responsibilities include:

Coordinating race heats and ensuring teams are staged and readyKeeping races running on schedule throughout the eventTiming individual boats and recording results for each heatCommunicating with the emcee, judges, and other event staffAssisting with posting or relaying race results

Get a front-row seat to the action at Columbus Riverfest featuring Ya Gotta Regatta! As a Heat Timer, you’ll play a focused and exciting role in recording the official times and finishes for each cardboard boat race heat.

This is a detail-oriented position that helps ensure fair and accurate results for every team competing. You’ll work closely with race coordinators to time individual boats as they cross the finish line and record results for each heat.

Responsibilities include:

Timing individual boats as they complete each race heatRecording finish times or order of finish accuratelyAssisting with tracking results for assigned heats or lanesCommunicating results to Race Coordinators/ScorekeepersStaying attentive during fast-paced race moments

Help ensure a fun, safe, and well-managed experience in the Beer Garden at Columbus Riverfest featuring Ya Gotta Regatta! As part of the Beer Garden Support Crew, you’ll play an important role in helping monitor the designated beverage area and ensuring alcohol stays within the approved boundaries of the event.

This role is focused on friendly awareness, guest support, and helping maintain a safe, controlled environment so everyone can enjoy the event responsibly.

Responsibilities include:

Monitoring the Beer Garden boundary to ensure beverages do not leave the designated areaPolitely reminding guests of event rules when neededAssisting staff with light crowd flow and awareness inside the beer tent areaSupporting general safety and reporting any concerns to event staffHelping maintain a positive, welcoming atmosphere

Ideal volunteer:

Friendly, calm, and comfortable interacting with guestsAble to communicate rules in a respectful and approachable wayAlert and attentive in a busy event environmentComfortable being on their feet and outdoors

Help keep the Beer Garden safe, enjoyable, and running smoothly so everyone can focus on having a great time at Riverfest!

Be part of the team that decides the winners at Columbus Riverfest featuring Ya Gotta Regatta! As a Scorekeeper & Judge, you’ll help track results, evaluate performance, and celebrate the creativity and competition that make the cardboard boat races so much fun.

This role combines attention to detail with a front-row view of the action as you help determine award winners—from fastest race times to most creative boat designs and everything in between.

Responsibilities include:

Recording and organizing race results from timers and coordinatorsAssisting with determining winners for race categories and awardsEvaluating boats for categories such as Best Design, Most Creative, Crowd Favorites, etc.Supporting the official tallying and confirmation of final resultsCommunicating award results to event staff or the emcee

Help recognize the creativity, teamwork, and speed that make Riverfest unforgettable!

Help set the tone for a smooth and welcoming event experience! As part of the Parking Crew for Columbus Riverfest featuring Ya Gotta Regatta, you’ll be one of the first friendly faces guests see as they arrive.

In this role, you’ll direct traffic, guide guests to designated parking areas, and help ensure everyone gets in and out safely and efficiently. Your energy and clear communication will play a big part in keeping things organized and stress-free for attendees.

Responsibilities include:

Directing incoming and outgoing trafficGuiding guests to available parking areasAssisting with pedestrian safety near parking zonesCommunicating with event staff about parking capacity or issues

Help us create a great first impression and keep Riverfest running smoothly from the moment guests arrive!

Help tell the story of Columbus Riverfest featuring Ya Gotta Regatta through your lens! As a member of the Photo Crew, you’ll capture the excitement, energy, and unforgettable moments of cardboard boat races, family fun, and community celebration.

Your photos will help showcase the event to the community, sponsors, and future participants—highlighting everything from race-day action to candid moments of joy throughout Mill Race Park.

Responsibilities include:

Photographing cardboard boat races and on-the-water actionCapturing candid moments of attendees, teams, and volunteersDocumenting event activities, food vendors, and yard gamesTaking sponsor and branding photos throughout the eventSharing or submitting selected photos after the event as requested

Requirements:

Bring your own cameraAbility to upload photos to a shareable file within 24 hoursThe sharable file will be shared with each photographer prior to eventAbility to text a few photos to Communications Director while on-site

Help preserve the energy and excitement of Riverfest so the community can relive the day long after the boats are packed away!