Volunteering FAQ
Q: On parade day, where should I go first?
A: At 8:00 am on parade day, all volunteers should arrive at the parade Headquarters, which is in the Lindbergh Room at the Hilton at the Ballpark, at Broadway and Market. The Headquarters staff will check you in, answer any last-minute questions, and assist with getting you to your designated volunteer location.
Q: Where should I park, if I am driving?
A: Volunteers will be provided with complimentary parking. The location of volunteer parking is in the lot at 7th and Cerre Streets. From there, it is a brief walk to the Parade Headquarters. You might also catch a ride on a shuttle cart which will be running between the two locations.
Q: Which stop should I use, if I am riding on MetroLink?
A: If riding MetroLink, you should get off at the Busch Stadium stop. From there, it is a short walk north to the Parade Headquarters.
Q: How long will I be needed on parade day?
A: We ask that all captains and lt. captains check in at the Headquarters at 6:30 am and parade marshal volunteers check in at the Headquarters at 7:00 am (Those in other positions will be informed of their check-in time by their area leader.) You will be assigned to a street location and then transported by shuttle to your designated location along the parade route. The parade begins at 12:00 pm. After the parade conclusion passes your volunteer area, you’ll be needed for some minor cleanup to return the street to regular traffic. Your area’s block captain will coordinate this effort and then release you to return to the Headquarters, where the volunteers post-parade event will be held. Your volunteer commitment will end about 3:00 pm.
Q: Will food or beverage provided to the parade volunteers?
A: We suggest that you have breakfast on your own, prior to your arrival at the Headquarters. Throughout the day, hot and cold beverages, as well as sandwiches and chips, will be delivered, by cart, to volunteers on the parade route.
Q: What is the post-parade event?
A: After the parade, volunteers will be provided with a pass to the volunteer-only post-parade event, which will take place at the Headquarters. This event is not open to the general public. It is a private event, so that we may express our thanks to you, our valued volunteer. At this event, you’ll have the opportunity to get some food, beverage, and a place to sit and relax.
Q: Am I allowed to drink alcoholic beverages while volunteering?
A: Volunteers are NOT allowed to consume alcohol while performing their volunteer duties. We strive to run a family-friendly event, so we cannot have intoxicated volunteers representing our event. After the parade is over, you are free to consume “adult” beverages.
Q: Name three things I’ll wish I’d brought with me to volunteer on parade day.
A: This would depend on the weather. For a cold day, you’ll want to bring a warm hat, warm gloves, and warm shoes. For a sunny day, you’ll want to bring sunglasses, suntan lotion, and a hat for shade. Remember – the parade goes on rain, shine, or snow.
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: No, but dress for the weather. We do want you to stand out better in a crowd, though. To aid in this, we will furnish you with a parade marshal jacket, to be worn over your own clothing, so that you are recognizable as being a parade official. It must be returned at the end of the day, so that we can clean and re-use them the following year.
