The Great Northern Viking Festival, taking place on October 19-20, 2024, in Mankato, Minnesota, presents an exciting opportunity for volunteers to get involved in this immersive celebration of Viking culture. Volunteers are needed to help ensure the success of the event, which includes
- family-friendly activities,
- educational experiences,
- engaging historical demonstrations.
Volunteering at the festival grants an interesting chance to participate behind the scenes, working closely with event organizers and contributing to the festival’s operations. Volunteers will assist with tasks such as
- setting up and breaking down stages,
- guiding guests,
- assisting vendors,
and more.
In return for their support, volunteers will receive free entry to the festival, allowing them to enjoy the events when not on duty.
This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone passionate about Viking history or community events to make new connections while experiencing the festival up close.
Who were the Vikings? ๐
The Vikings were seafaring people from Scandinavia (modern-day Norway, Denmark, and Sweden) who, between the 8th and 11th centuries, explored, raided, and traded across Europe, Asia, and the North Atlantic. Known for their longships and warrior culture, they also established settlements and had a lasting influence on the regions they interacted with.ย Many who originally lived along the North Atlantic, settled in Minnesota in the 19th and 20th centuries. The fascination with Vikings in Minnesota stems from the state’s strong Scandinavian heritage.
Viking Festival โ Benefits and Requisites ๐
Volunteers are required to work in shifts of around 3.5 hours, allowing them ample time to enjoy the festival’s activities, such as
- live combat demonstrations,
- atlatl throwing,
- Viking-themed entertainment.
Roles range from assisting with parking and admissions to managing the merchandise booth, helping in the Mead Hall, or supervising activities in the children’s area. For those looking for more flexibility, “floater” positions are also available, where volunteers can assist wherever needed during the event.
Another interesting perk is the behind-the-scenes access volunteers get, making them part of the inaugural event and the Viking community. Volunteers also have the chance to make lasting friendships and contribute to establishing the festival as an annual tradition in Minnesota.
The festival also offers opportunities for pre-event involvement, such as helping with decorations, setup, and post-event cleanup
For more details about this Viking Festival volunteering opportunity, visit the official website. ๐
