Page 81 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2017

Judy Thurman says she and Fred, along with their “right hands” — daughter Lauren and son-in-law Stopher Haug — are ready for this year’s festival and will be on duty with hot coffee by 6 a.m.
“We’ve been doing it for 14 years and always meet some of the nicest people,” she said. “The hospitality stations give the vendors a place to rest and put their feet up. We have rest rooms, lots of water and snacks.”
Using little wagons, Tatonuts are delivered each morning, thanks to Wendy and Chuck Galle and Kathryn and Spencer Van Buskirk.“They deliver volumes of Tatonuts!” Thurman said.
Thurman also praised Melissa Caesar and Deborah Montgomery Gilley for their help recruiting volunteers to work at the locations.
This is where team captains come
in for the volunteer efforts. Two of those who’ve worked diligently are Dr. Nathan Sumner of Keesler Air Force Base and Joey Conwill with the Gulf Coast YMCA.”
Dr. Sumner, chief of neurology at Keesler Medical Center, serves as a volunteer coordinator for the four main entrances to the festival. He and Dr. Bill Moore use golf carts to take volunteers and supplies to
the entrances.
“I saw what was needed and
thought it could be part of our (Keesler AFB) involvement,” he said.“A lot of work goes on, and it’s amazing how many people it takes to put on this event.”
A former Chamber president, Joey Conwill sees volunteering as a way
to continue her involvement.“We’ve tried to create a team that will be there for all events; those who know what’s going on and get the coveted red shirt,” she said.“We get such great people; they’ve turned out to be leaders and some have been hired
at the Chamber.” Sutton added, “Not one single person can execute and coordinate all communications to the various areas throughout the entire weekend.
Conwill, wellness director at the Gulf Coast YMCA, says volunteers make up vendor packets before the festival and perform a variety of jobs during the event.
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October 2017 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 81
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