July Volunteer Spotlight 2022

Volunteer Spotlight of Barbara Gilchrist

My husband’s office was in downtown Bethlehem, I worked in New Jersey.  In August of 1984, he told me that there is a music festival going on in downtown Bethlehem.  It was hard for me to comprehend what he was describing.  However, on the next evening we both went downtown and attended the festival on Main Street, and could not stop!!

After attending the 1984 Musikfest events, and prior to the start of the 1985 year, I decided that I would like to volunteer and participate in the festival.  Not knowing how to sign up, one of our neighbors who worked at a local bank helped me to become involved with Musikfest.  Currently, other volunteers would be surprised to learn that the first task that I was assigned to was counting the money being received from food and beverage sales. I found this interesting.  However, my desire was to be outside assisting the visitors who were coming to Musikfest, and enjoying the music.  Initially, I was honored to serve on many committees. In 1988, I served on the Board of Directors and later as Chairperson.  In following years, service continued on a committee.

In addition to Musikfest, I also have been a weekly volunteer for “Meals on Wheels” for over twenty years in the Bethlehem area.  In some instances I volunteer multiple times a week.

After being a Musikfest volunteer for 38 years (minus the pandemic year) some of my favorite memories include the wonderful friends that I have worked with during the festival.  In addition, I have met and known many vendors who are devoted to making the visitors happy that they are serving.  The other special persons who you meet at Musikfest include the visitors from ALL OVER and the very supportive Police, i.e. the “Men and Women in Blue” with their horses!

In addition to Musikfest, one of my other favorite events is Christkindlmarkt, where I have also volunteered for over five years.   I also enjoy attending ArtsQuest and the Easton State Theater events.

I would prefer to not pick a single act to perform at Musikfest.  However, some of the more memorable occasions and/or photo ops were Ray Charles, Aaron Neville, Everly Brothers and Straight No Chaser!