The 33rd annual Ballard SeafoodFest is slated for July 28 and 29 and its leader says they need help.

Volunteering, they say, is a fun and painless way to contribute to our vibrant, caring community and offers a chance to meet your neighbors, promote your business or just have a good time. Every year, a core group steps in to contribute countless hours of time to make this two-day event one of Seattle's favorite summer festivals.

There are many opportunities for involvement. For more information, please contact Joanne Orsucci at789-6064 or send her an email at jovanna65@comcast.net.

Here are the jobs needed to be filled:

Information Booth

Customer service skills come in handy here! Teams answer questions, give directions, sell t-shirts and other souvenir merchandise. Shifts are approximately three hours.

Ice Wrangler

Hang out in the coolest spot around, take ice tickets from food vendors, divvy out ice, and support the barbeque team. Teams of two are ideal for this, but individuals are also welcome. Shifts vary.

Appreciation Station

Serving as satellites to the Information Booth, five Appreciation Stations are strategically located throughout the festival grounds. Volunteers answer questions, hand out free programs, accept donations for and distribute souvenir buttons, and generally help visitors to the festival feel welcome.

Traffic Guards Have an itch to be a school crossing guard again? Then, this is your job. You get to wear a cool orange vest and in some locations, pair up with a policeman to keep drivers off the festival grounds. You'll also be there to help folks survive the detours and get to their destination. Shifts are approximately two hours.

SeafoodFest Gophers There are always a lot of "little" things to do at the beginning and the end of a festival. So it's a good idea to have a handful of go-to folks to get the job done. Shifts vary.

Recycling/Composting Helpers

This year SeafoodFest is composting its food and paper waste, collecting recyclables separately, and recycling grease to cut down on what goes into the landfill. Festival-goers and food vendors will need some guidance in figuring out what goes in which bin. Help the event and the earth by volunteering for this important job. Shifts vary.

Volunteers receive a free meal voucher for the salmon barbeque booth during the festival and you'll know you've helped your community by donating their time and energy to this event. Volunteers receive discounts on official festival t-shirts and a free souvenir button.

Volunteers should be at least 16 years old; younger helpers must be accompanied by an adult.

Friends are welcome to join you (but please let us know in advance, if possible).

Please no alcohol before or during your shift.

Please check in at your designated location at least five minutes prior to your shift to exchange information with the volunteers you're relieving.

Information will be provided at your volunteer location, but you're invited to ask any and all questions.

Please let me know of any limitations or potential challenges you may encounter.

If you can't make your shift, please give me as much notice as possible so that I can make arrangements with another volunteer. You can reach me at 206-789-6064.

Rain or shine - SeafoodFest happens no matter what! However, SeafoodFest weekend is typically hot, so please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes. Layers are always a good idea, as the temperature can change quickly.