When Summerfair 2008, Cincinnati’s annual fine arts and crafts fair, opens its gates for its 41st year on Friday May 30, thousands of patrons will enjoy three days of great art, music and food thanks to a large contingent of local volunteers. Since its beginnings in Eden Park in 1968, Summerfair has been an event planned and overseen by volunteers and this year, more than 400 volunteers will be needed to work during Summerfair 2008, on May 30, 31 and June 1 at Coney Island. “Volunteers play a huge role in making Summerfair happen,” said Summerfair Co-Chair Kelly Boschert. “As you can imagine, Summerfair is a rather large undertaking with more than 300 artists participating in the fair, as well as performances to coordinate, food vendors to work with, children’s activities to be planned and hundreds of other tasks.” Volunteer positions average a 2 hour time commitment and include working admission gates, in the Youth Arts area, in Poster and T-shirt sales and hospitality. All volunteers will receive free admission to the fair, free parking, a complimentary 2008 Summerfair poster, and food and beverage tickets for use after their shift. Volunteer forms can be downloaded from the Summerfair Cincinnati Web site at www.summerfair.org and should be returned to the Summerfair Cincinnati offices by April 28, 2008. Volunteer positions will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Volunteers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. “Not only is the weekend a lot of fun, but it is also a great opportunity to meet other volunteers interested in the arts,” said Boschert. “We are very lucky to have a great turn out of volunteers each year and we hope local residents will join us for another memorable weekend.” Summerfair 2008 will feature more than 300 fine artists and craftspeople from around the country exhibiting and selling works ranging from ceramics and sculptures to painting and photography; 5 stages of local and regional entertainers; a youth arts area; and a variety of gourmet arts vendors. The annual event, held at the historic Coney Island, draws more than 35,000 attendees each year. Hours for the fair are 2 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets can be purchased for $10.00 (children 12 and under are free). Parking is free courtesy of Summerfair Cincinnati. The fair will be held rain or shine. For more information, call the Summerfair office at 513-531-0050, visit Summerfair online at www.summerfair.org or email info@summerfair.org. About Summerfair Cincinnati: Summerfair Cincinnati has been supporting and promoting artists and the arts in Greater Cincinnati for more than 40 years. The organization’s activities include: supports for individual artists including grants and exhibitions; community-based art activities and events; and a nationally-recognized annual fine arts festival. The effectiveness of Summerfair Cincinnati activities has earned the organization regional and national recognition including: Sunshine Artist magazine, an influential trade publication, ranked 8th Best Fine Art and Design Show in 2006, Post-Corbett Award of Excellence, Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau Outstanding Service Award, Southwestern Ohio Art Education Award for Distinguished Organization, American Marketing Association Community Impact Award and the National Association of Independent Artists Artists’ Choice Award.