Duluth, Minnesota’s Bentleyville Struggles Finding Volunteers

Community events that are free to attend generally need a lot of support.  That support can come in the form of actual money to support the operation but can also come in the form of actual volunteers.

Get our free mobile app

One of the largest non-profit events in the Twin Ports each year is the famous Bentleyville "Tour of Lights".

It's hard to miss as you drive through Downtown Duluth and it draws in not only locals, but people from all over to enjoy the lighting displays.  The event relies heavily on volunteers to man certain stations each night.  It's hard to give out free hot chocolate or popcorn if you don't have people to do it.

Bentleyville had to close the popcorn stand the other night because of a lack of volunteers.  It seems they were eight people short for signing up that evening.  It's a bummer for the event as it takes away from some of the charm.  Yes, people can live without popcorn and still enjoy everything else, but it's still disappointing to see.

I don't know if it was a matter of just no sign-ups, some people did and didn't show, or a combination of both.  While there isn't any snow, it seems like a good year to volunteer as the temps aren't incredibly brutal.

Consider volunteering for a few hours next year if you can help this great local event, and also helping out for the tear down too.  Tear down will begin on Wednesday, December 27th.