I love Panoply! From its Big Spring Park setting to the festival atmosphere, I make it a priority to go every year. Some years I’ve gone with several friends and made a big day of it shopping, eating and watching live entertainment. Other years I’ve gone by myself for an hour or so, just so I didn’t miss it. For many years I was a volunteer at Panoply, either by volunteering on my own or as part of the Junior League (which created Panoply in partnership with The Arts Council and which you can read more about here). My most favorite volunteer experience was in the Stamp It Up tent about 10 years ago. I was in a whirlwind of energetic kids, glitter, paint, ink and glue and it was awesome! Did you know that all Panoply festival events are organized by volunteers? It requires over 1,000 volunteers to make Panoply happen. More on how YOU can volunteer later.

A Celebration and Return

I sat down recently with Allison Dillon-Jauken, Executive Director of The Arts Council. Panoply is a program of The Arts Council (and you can read the history here). The first thing she said was “We are celebrating the return of Panoply!” As you may remember, Panoply was cancelled last year because of the devastating April 27 tornadoes. Actually, after the call was made to cancel Panoply, the organizers were able to immediately provide assistance with the generators and light towers that were set up for Panoply, as well as the lost child wrist-bands, which were repurposed for the clean-up volunteers. Even some of the food vendors were able to help feed those in need due to the damage and power outages.

As a way to say thank you to our hometown heroes, Friday night at Panoply will be First Responders night and all police, fire, Sherriff, HEMSI, Huntsville Utilities, City and County employees, Rescue Squad staff and all other First Responders will receive free admission. And speaking of admission, it is $5 per person for one-day or $10 for a weekend Panopass. Children 12 and under are free and all activities, once inside, are free of charge. Saturday, Panoply will salute those who serve with Gold Star Family and Active Duty Military Appreciation Day. These folks and their families will receive free admission.

The Art

I mentioned shopping earlier. I own several prize pieces of art that I’ve picked up at Panoply, along with great pieces of hand-made jewelry. I can always find something in the Art Marketplace, which is juried by a professional panel and includes artists from all across the Southeast. Dillon-Jauken told me that this year, the Art Marketplace will be located at the Monroe and Williams Street Bridge. She also mentioned that long-time festival-goers will notice that this is the first Panoply since the Museum expansion, so there will be some differences to Panoply’s layout.

The Entertainment

Now what about the endless entertainment and interactive activities at Panoply? There are six performance stages with everything from dance, competitions, demonstrations, music of all varieties, storytellers and more! Headlining performers for the event are blues pianist Marcia Ball and Alabama-native Taylor Hicks. Plus there are many activities for kids that include make-and-take art, face-painting and exploring music. Now that I have two small children, I can’t wait to experience Panoply with them. I think my four-year-old is just the right age to start exploring the wonders of the arts.

And finally, it’s the 30^th Panoply Arts Festival. That means very special events on Sunday marking this occasion. I was told it will be a “retrospective of 30 years of Panoply.” With that carrot, Panoply is going to be the must-do event this spring. There really is so much to try and put into writing when explaining Panoply. Allison Dillon-Jauken said it best:

“Panoply is a magnificent array of music, theatre, visual arts and international culture.”

–Allison Dillon-Jauken

You can read all about Panoply here. Now go and put it on your calendar right now. It’s April 27 – 29, Big Spring Park!

Be a Panoply Volunteer

Take it from me, volunteering at Panoply is an awesome experience. With a need for over 1,000 total volunteers, The Arts Council is currently at about 30% of that. That means MANY more volunteers are needed. Dillon-Jauken pointed out that such a large signature event takes support from throughout the community, the sponsors, government partners and volunteers, and The Arts Council is grateful for all this support. Panoply does not happen without volunteers!

Volunteer Shifts

Panoply volunteers work 3-hour shifts and you can sign-up for more than one shift. Also, since Panoply is a family-friendly event, families can volunteer together! Kids age 10 and up can volunteer to work a shift with a parent, and kids 14 and up can work a shift on their own.
Friday

• 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
• 6:45 pm – 9:00 pm

All Friday volunteers receive a pass to come back on Saturday or Sunday for free.

Saturday

• 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
• 12:45 pm – 3:00 pm
• 2:45 pm – 6:00 pm
• 5:45 pm – 9:00 pm

Sunday

• 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
• 2:45 pm – 6:00 pm
• 5:45 pm – 9:00 pm

Volunteers on Saturday and Sunday receive free admission and all volunteers receive a refreshment.

Types of Volunteers Needed

• Face-painting
• Gate workers
• Helpers at the activity stations (like the Community Art Project, Creative Capes, Easel Art Panoply Posies, Masks from Around the World and Panoply Power Bands.)
• Helpers at the Lost Kids area
• Volunteers to help with check-In

Please consider spending a few hours of your time volunteering with Panoply this year. I promise you will meet wonderful new people and have a great time. Click here to volunteer online or call 256-519-2787.

Event Details: Panoply Arts Festival

Date: April 27 – 29
Location: Big Spring Park
Cost: $5 per person for one-day pass; $10 for a weekend Panopass; Children 12 and under are free
More Information: Click here 
To volunteer: Click here