Winterfest at Kiener Plaza

Do you want to be involved in an event to spread holiday cheer through Downtown St. Louis?

Our Opportunity:

Winterfest is an annual event held each winter from November through December. Winterfest Assistants support Gateway Arch Park Foundations events department by helping create a hospitable, informative, and visitor-centered environment. Dates for the event are Saturday, November 19 – Sunday, January 1 with some special events happening November 16-18.

Volunteer roles include:

• Skate-up Area/Locker Attendant: Volunteers will assist visitors with getting skates on and off, skate return, and ensure visitors do not wear their stakes off the skate-up area. Volunteers will also assist visitors with the lockers to store their personal items.

• Igloo Check-in: Volunteers assist event staff with giving out wristbands to igloo reservation quests, and escort guests from check-in to their igloo.

• Igloo Patrol: Only 4-6 people are allowed in each igloo. ( We would like to stress that 4 people can fit comfortably in an igloo, with a max of 6) Volunteers ensure each igloo has the appropriate amount of people and no more. Watch the gate to ensure other visitors do not enter the igloo village. Check-in with igloo guests to ensure they have everything they need and have a pleasant experience.

• Igloo Hospitality Attendant: In addition to check-ins, The Igloo Hospitality Attendant will ensure that guests have an amazing experience by sharing key information about the igloo experience. Setting up any additional add-on packages and retrieving guest skates from Skate Shack.

• Photo Op Attendants: Volunteers will assist guests in taking photos at the various Winterfest selfie stations.  

• Line/Smore’s Station Attendant: Volunteers provide customer service for guests waiting in line at the skate shack, igloo check-in, and at the smores station. This may include answering questions and crowd control, keeping the smores station clean, and ensuring guests are using the smores station safely.

• Member Tent: Volunteers share the mission of Gateway Arch Park Foundation and encourage people to become members, volunteers, or purchase Winterfest merchandise.

Special Dates:

• Alliance Night, Thursday, November 17, 5-7 p.m.

• Member Night, Friday, November 18, 5-8 p.m.

  • These dates include the positions above

• One Nation, Saturday, December 3

• New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31:

  • These positions include all the positions above and additional help with load-in and load-out of the Winterfest Night Markets.

Roles and Responsibilities:

18 or older (younger applicants with parental/guardian approval may be considered). As representatives of Gateway Arch Park Foundation, volunteers must adhere to the policies, procedures, and code of conduct as outlined in the volunteer handbook provided prior to or during training.

Required Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent communication skills

• A desire to interact with the public and learn more about event planning

• Enthusiasm, friendliness, and a positive attitude

• Respect for the confidentiality of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s volunteers, partners, members, and donors

• Willingness to take initiative, and voice ideas

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods of time

• Ability to stand cool winter temperatures for extended periods of time

• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to forty (40) pounds

Commitment:

All volunteers must commit to serving at least three 4 hours of shifts between November 19-January 1.

Location:

Kiener Plaza is located at 500 Chestnut Street St. Louis, MO 63101. A volunteer table will be set up for you to check in and receive instructions for the day.

Training and Supervision:

• Volunteers may attend the orientation but are not required

• Volunteers must attend in-person training on Thursday, November 17 at 6 p.m. or a virtual training on Thursday, November 17 at 1 p.m. via Zoom

Volunteer Perks:

• Contribute to a national monument, The Gateway Arch National Park!

• Annual general membership to Gateway Arch Park Foundation (40+ hours)

• Annual volunteer recognition event

• Free parking if needed during volunteer hours

• Event swag and free skating on Wednesday, November 16

• Discount to Winterfest 5K, ask for details