Volunteer of the Year 2004

David Taylor and Linda Bloedau

At the conception of the idea of creating a music festival, David and Linda were among the first to volunteer to help in whatever way possible - physically working at the festival site, advance promotion, and advertising. As a new event, the organizers were primarily concerned with designing a stage schedule, contacting and booking performers, and creating the festival venue (physical site). Thoughts beyond the basic operation of the main stage were virtually non-existent - until David and Linda offered to be involved further! As a way of expanding the family atmosphere goal of the festival, David and Linda agreed to create and coordinate the Children's Area. Festival organizers had not thought that a Children's Area would be possible for the first few years of the festival. However, with David and Linda's enthusiasm for the idea, the Children's Area was easily developed and promoted as a key component of the festival.

Through their organization, StorySingers, David and Linda led scheduled Singing Storytimes for children and families. They also held musical instrument workshops for children of all ages who wanted to learn to play the plickett, an original instrument created by David which is similar to a mountain dulcimer. In addition to the scheduled activities, David and Linda also entertained children with face painting and balloon sculptures. The Children's Area was a feature of the festival and the majority of festival attendees enjoyed the experiences offered.

The success of the Children's Area was due entirely to David Taylor and Linda Bloedau. Their boundless energy and effortless connection to children made them a unique attraction to children of all ages. By successfully creating, coordinating, and operating the Children's Area, David and Linda enabled the Carolina in the Fall festival to be successful and provided an additional stage/outlet for musical expression. They are truly an outstanding volunteer couple and are constantly willing and ready to help in any way needed.