Ever heard of the St. Bernards at Wakarusa, learn the truth...

Close your eyes.  Imagine one of those old cough drop commercials with the sounds of the nature, the blowing wind and power of the majestic mountains.  Can you see the image of a big, galloping, floppy St Bernard coming towards you with a wooden box hanging from his collar?  In the box is a shot of brandy, some food and maybe some bandages. The dog may have dug you out of a snow drift or found you at the bottom of a ravine.  Either way the dog is there to help and get you to safety.

At a festival the trouble one can get into, and the needs one could have range widely. Some people misplace their stuff, or fall asleep in the sun and burn themselves to a crisp, or experience something new they are not ready for, or have a disagreement with their BFF's, or get to the festival to realize they don't have any tent poles or........ 

Each year at Wakarusa a valiant group of folks patrol the festival, work the lost-and-founds booths and generally help folks out.  They can be spotted on foot, or you may see them doing patrols on golf carts or running info booths in each major area of the festival.  Like the trusted beast they are named for, they invariably have a backpack full of all the things you need, have forgotten or have lost.  The team is all volunteers and is made up of people that travel from pretty much every corner of the country in order to be there. 

St Bernards are seasoned festival veterans that have certainly seen a thing or two in their festival days.  Like the big service dog, they know how to find and take care of those in need and if required find help. The St. Bernards are the level of help between the peeps and security or first aid.  If the St. Bernards can't take care of something it is passed up the chain to the official festival staff.  With the help of the St. Bernards the festival runs a little smoother for both the festival goers and the management.

Each St. Bernard runs a couple of shifts throughout the festival and then is free, albeit for meetings and group training. Most St. Bernards help in Chompdown, although the two are not officially related.  The St. Bernards even have a 13-page manual that each person studies before the festival starts.  The St. Bernards take everyone's role and safety seriously to make sure they are as effective as possible. 

You can always recognize a St. Bernard because of their shirt and wonderful helping smile.   You can meet many of them in person by coming to the community breakfast, Chompdown.  Chompdown 2015 will be Friday morning right near the entrance to the Backwood stage.  You can't miss it.  Bring something to share and enjoy the feast.  If you don't know what Chompdown is, check out this post.   Dirtfoot will be playing Chompdown so come on out for an extra show. 

Here are some motivation thoughts directly from St. Bernards:

• I love helping everyone have a fun time. It is great to watch someone go from confused to feeling good and having what they need.  I believe in the power of festival timing, when people are in need we are there and it all works out just fine.
• There are those that are searching or seem to be lost in the scene and I am happy not to be lost. There is cosmic balance in it.  I am privilege not to feel lost or out-of-sorts, so anything I can do to help others in need seems like good Karma. 
• For one St. Bernard, this summed up his motivation. A quote from Fred Rogers "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."  I am honored to be the helpers. 
• When I'm driving around on that cart so full of energy and joy, it feels like I'm able to transfer all that to the passing crowds! Whether it's in the form of a schedule, water, sunblock, smile, high five or just that wink that says "You're here and we're here for you!"
• Being part of a group that likes to makes a difference and yet likes to have a good time is wonderful.  We gather from all over the country to be a Waka Jamily.   
• I like to help lead the group because I know it will work and I know I can get everyone to work together smoothly and help people.

So if you have ever been helped by a St Bernard, come out and thank one at this Waka.  I promise it will make their day.   Have a safe and fun Wakarusa everyone.