Olmsted’s Flurrious Hits Next Saturday – Call for Volunteers

By Seamus Gallivan/photos by Joe Cascio

The second annual Olmsted’s Flurrious festival hits next Saturday, January 21^st, and as those who have been reading this site since this time last year know, I’m a big fan of this family-friendly instant classic. Sure, it was ten degrees with an arctic wind blowing through Delaware Park, but true trailblazing champions like this writer can overcome such elements in the name of becoming one of the first snow beach tennis titans in world history. That happened.

Of course, in my victory speech, after thanking God and my agent, I had to shine a light on the many volunteers who made Flurrious such a smooth operation, and I got a note from the organizers at the Olmsted Parks Conservancy that they’re looking for more folks to fill out this year’s volunteer roster. Who is going to officiate this and the other activities? Who will carry me in a celebratory lap around the park? Who will serve me a responsible amount of ice wine as I’m interviewed by all the major networks?

Said volunteer manager Steven Nagowski – “The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy FLURRIOUS Winter Festival is upon us in two weeks and we cannot do this without our volunteers! Job duties are light but critical to ensure a successful event. Most volunteer jobs are outside (sunshine, rain or blizzard) but a few are within our heated special event tent.

“Job Duties are: sign in/registration, assisting with the snow run & the snow bike ride, staffing the ice rink (skaters welcome), assisting with snow softball (umpires/registration) and assisting with selling tickets and serving food in our entertainment tent. This is an all-ages, FREE event so please feel free to bring a friend to volunteer with you.

“We have two shifts left to choose from, morning or evening, and volunteer duties can be either inside or outside.  Duties include, registration, ticket sales, assisting with the athletics and giving directions to guests.”

If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Steven Nagowski at 716-838-1249×15 or steven@bfloparks.org.

Now, I’m normally one to raise my hand to help with this, but obviously, I’ll be busy continuing my prowess as a pioneer in snow beach tennis. Perhaps I’ll have time to claim a title in snow softball as well – my agent is in discussions with Olmsted reps to alter the schedule accordingly…

At this year’s Flurrious, set and sign-up activities include softball, kickball, x-country skiing, snowshoeing, a Campus bike loop, an all day Buffalo Pond Hockey Committee expo, family skating (bring your own skates), Uncle Sam’s sled pull competitions, pick-up snow “beach” tennis, Ives Pond quidditch expo, igloo building, snow golf (see details), horse and carriage rides, blacksmith demonstrations, kids’ activities in The Lodge (with fireplace, hot drinks and food), and Brews and Stews brought to you by Blue Monk and Magnolia Events. Buffalo State College Science Education students will be hosting a winter science workshop for children as well.