We know there is a lot to review. Thank you giving us a bit of your time. We hope that we are painting a very clear picture here so that you are best prepared for what to expect so that you have the best time possible!
You are going to have a ton of fun all we ask is that you remember, this is not the usual Volunteer Event. When you make your FIRM commitment to attend, we plan a workload and are relying on you bringing the number of helpers you register for. We do not care if they are the original ones you had in mind, but every shift must be filled by a capable person in order to get the project done in such a short time frame. You can ALWAYS bring more people that are not registered, so register for lower numbers if you are not sure. We do not turn away volunteers, there is always work to be done.
If some emergency arises and you find you cannot fulfill your commitment, please call us ASAP so we can make your shifts available to others. You should confirm with your participants a week before the shift.
While we take every precaution to keep this a safe and fun experience, we do have some Health and Safety Protocols in place. If you have any questions about Health and Safety during your shift, you can visit the INFORMATION PAGE here. It is updated as needed.
The parade does not stop for weather, so neither do we! Shifts are indoors and will be held rain or shine!!
Before You Arrive
Be sure to review this information with all participants. Adults are required to supervise minors and should be helping to reinforce this information.
*Electronics and Cell phones are a hazard in this environment, they should not be in use in the building. This includes by adults as well. Even the Float Builder Staff minimize their cell phone use to only business calls related to building the floats.
Where To Go
All shifts are at Fiesta Productions: 16016 Avenida Padilla, Irwindale, CA 91702
Parking Information will be shared a few days before your shift. Parking may change daily, please review the emails sent to you.
NOTE: For Safety reasons, All Drop off and Pick up MUST take place in the parking area!!
What NOT to Bring
Please leave all valuables at home. Leave purses and backpacks in the trunk of your car or leave them at home and carry a small wallet or hip pack. The Tournament of Roses, All Float Builders, All Sponsors/Clients, and Hosts: Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles are not responsible for any loss or damage to your personal belongings. Our "Security Guides" present at the location should not be confused with Security Guards. Our Guides are present to assist where they can and can escalate issues beyond their scope by calling, or assisting you in calling, 9-1-1 where appropriate.
What to Bring
For each person attending, please bring:
***Bring Scissors! No Scissors means no work.***
Optional:
Water bottle that fully seals if desired. And a sack lunch that does not require refrigeration or lunch money (during dry decorating days, there are only snack choices available for purchase)
Anyone with allergies should bring appropriate medications, we do not have any at the site
automotive hand cleaner (the kind with grit works best), lotion, hand scrub brushes.
What to Wear
**Only wear clothes that can get dirty and ruined. If they get glue on them, and it is likely they will, the glue will never come out.**
Sturdy closed toed shoes with rubber soles are best. No sandals, flip flops, or open toes
Layers! It can range from very warm to very cold during the course of your shift, especially night shifts. We don't recommend shorts, even on warmer days
Beanie, bandana, hat, any hair protection is great - glue has to be cut out of hair if it gets in it, secure long hair
When You Arrive and During Your Shift
Look for the Beach Balls to check in
Please have only one person approach the check in table so that we can get everyone in efficiently. All of the Client's Volunteers are put to work FIRST and we do not know when they will be coming. They arrive and leave on their own schedule.
Please arrive on time for your shift to get a wristband.
Please check in for each day's shifts. If you are working two shifts in one day, you do not need to check in/out between shifts.
Please remain on the main floor (where the floats are parked) and not cross into offices, tool workshop areas, the loft, seed area, glue building, Flower Prep areas, or Art Department unless you are invited to do so by a staff member.
You may have to wait for extended periods of time with nothing to do. Group leaders should prepare their groups for this possibility. Sometimes we are waiting on materials, approvals from Management, or waiting for glue to dry.
Flower Prep is THE MOST IMPORTANT job we have. If you are reassigned in the middle of a job it is not to be taken personally. We will sometimes move people in the middle of a job to allow the glue to dry and get an idea of how it will look when done. Please understand the end product is what we are focused on, not individual jobs.
Any lost and found should be turned in to the Volunteer Coordinators at the Registration area. We will attempt to return these items to you providing there is an identifier on them. All unclaimed items will be discarded after December 31st. **We are not responsible for lost items or theft.**
No drugs or alcohol are allowed anywhere on the premises. Smoking including vaping must occur outside of and far away from the buildings or open areas where participants are congregating. Anyone suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be escorted out and not permitted to return again, ever. This includes the use of prescription medication that alters your mental state. For safety reasons, you are required to be clearheaded for this task. Where appropriate, action may be taken by law enforcement.
Please keep the restroom area clean and Use Trash Cans for all discarded items. If you see a problem, report it to the Volunteer Coordinators.
Scaffolding Basics
Do Not Climb On The Scaffolding unless told to do so-and then only those who are instructed to should go up. Scaffolding is balanced for safety and we don't overload it. It's not a toy and certainly not "the best camera angle."
No electronics of any kind may be on scaffolding. Devices for medical purposes exempt.
All materials you take up with you should come down with you. Scissors should be secured when you climb up or down. Scissors should never be left on the scaffolding, only around your neck or in your hand. Only take scissors up with you if you will be using them.
If you feel unsteady, uncomfortable, or unsure of your surroundings, do not stay on the scaffolding. We will help you get a job that you will be comfortable with.
Do's and Don'ts
Please DO:
Ask questions! We love to teach new things and refreshers!
Do let us know if you feel uncomfortable with task assignments, especially if they are on scaffolding.
Keep the work area around the float clean and do take used materials back to where they came from. Spills happen and that is ok as long as they are cleaned up quickly!
Have your Supervisor review your work area when you leave so they know where to pick back up where you leave off. You are not done until your area is cleaned and the Supervisor dismisses you.
HAVE FUN!
Please DON'T:
Assign yourself a job or change your job without clearing it with your Supervisor.
Leave spills, trash, materials, or glue pots around the float-take them back to where you got them from and clean up around your work area.
Help yourself to tools or materials unless specifically told to do so. Floral materials are very costly and we may ask you not to return if you are intentionally wasteful.
Please don't touch any of the float's mechanics, enter any float doors, or poke holes anywhere on the float.
