Opportunities From: Volunteer DBQ

If you're reading this, you likely already know how lucky you are to live in such a beautiful area of the world: the Driftless Region. Beauty seems to attract beauty around here, and you'll understand what I mean if when you sign up for this volunteer opportunity!

In Hanover, IL, there is an apple orchard and grass landing strip perched high on the bluffs to the East of The River, aptly named Orchard Landing. The lovely owners started throwing annual Farm-to-Table Dinners in their orchard in 2023 and are planning the next one on Saturday, September 6th.

Farm-to-Table Dinners have become our favorite type of event in the recent years. We've converted wooded trails, city streets, back yards, and neighborhood alleyways into temporary restaurants where talented chefs convert local food into excellent cuisine for our many guests.

The Orchard Landing's Farm-to-Table Dinners are no exception! Several guests fly in from all over the Midwest to attend this event, creating a wonderful spectacle for the other guests and volunteers. In order to make this event possible, we are looking for about 4 people to help us set up and tear down  this temporary restaurant and the necessary amenities which make this event possible and successful. Orchard Landing is about 45 minutes from Dubuque so we can arrange ride sharing as needed as the event gets closer and as more volunteers sign up.

While it's easy to talk about the scenic views and the unique aspects of this particular Farm-to-Table dinner, it should be noted that they have become our favorite type of event because of their diverse crowd that attends, the wonderful atmosphere that they create, and the temporary beauty that they posses. We have seen friendships start, blossom, and develop around these long tables between guests, volunteers, hosts, and the chefs.

How else can I say that they provide a beautiful source of positive energy? You'll just have to see for yourself.

If you want to be involved but not sure you want to go in alone, invite a friend to sign up as well!

If you're reading this, you likely already know how lucky you are to live in such a beautiful area of the world: the Driftless Region. Beauty seems to attract beauty around here, and you'll understand what I mean if when you sign up for this volunteer opportunity!

In Hanover, IL, there is an apple orchard and grass landing strip perched high on the bluffs to the East of The River, aptly named Orchard Landing. The lovely owners started throwing annual Farm-to-Table Dinners in their orchard in 2023 and are planning the next one on Saturday, September 6th.

Farm-to-Table Dinners have become our favorite type of event in the recent years. We've converted wooded trails, city streets, back yards, and neighborhood alleyways into temporary restaurants where talented chefs convert local food into excellent cuisine for our many guests.

The Orchard Landing's Farm-to-Table Dinners are no exception! Several guests fly in from all over the Midwest to attend this event, creating a wonderful spectacle for the other guests and volunteers. In order to make this event possible, we are looking for about 4 people to help us set up and tear down  this temporary restaurant and the necessary amenities which make this event possible and successful. Orchard Landing is about 45 minutes from Dubuque so we can arrange ride sharing as needed as the event gets closer and as more volunteers sign up.

While it's easy to talk about the scenic views and the unique aspects of this particular Farm-to-Table dinner, it should be noted that they have become our favorite type of event because of their diverse crowd that attends, the wonderful atmosphere that they create, and the temporary beauty that they posses. We have seen friendships start, blossom, and develop around these long tables between guests, volunteers, hosts, and the chefs.

How else can I say that they provide a beautiful source of positive energy? You'll just have to see for yourself.

If you want to be involved but not sure you want to go in alone, invite a friend to sign up as well!

The most interesting part of the Millwork Night Market is that after it's over, and everyone goes home, the once-buzzing community gathering returns to an ordinary brick street, its usual state. Between the two extremes, a small, environmentally-conscious team, puts the tired street to bed as if to thank it for its service to our community. It's this part of the event that makes it possible to repeat month-after-month. Quite honestly, it's the urban Leave-No-Trace aspect that feels most rewarding to be a part of.

If this sounds like something you'd like to experience first hand, we'd love to have a little more help after the next few markets! And if you want to bring a friend, please have them sign up as well!

Oh, and if you've never been to the Millwork Night Market, what a great opportunity to come down to Dubuque's Millwork District to enjoy handmade crafts, fresh produce, live music, food trucks, and an array of local beers on tap starting at 5pm! Thousands of people join us on Jackson St (between 7th and 9th streets) to celebrate the 2nd Thursday of the Summer Months (May-October). I'm sure you'd also love it!

At 7, you'll meet with the on-site manager and go over the closing & tear down process. Then, as market comes to an end, we'll start packing up and putting the event back into a nearby storage area. (It's really pretty easy, and it will be even easier with your help!)

There's not a strict dress code or anything, but volunteers should be able to lift and carry up to 25lbs and work on their feet for at least two hours. (but it likely won't even take THAT long) We try to be finished and ready to leave by 9pm—it is a Thursday night after all!

Whether you choose to volunteer or just attend the event, please remember to bring a reusable water bottle as needed. The market does not offer disposable water bottles to purchase but the info booth does have a water bottle refill station! Also try to remember to bring a coat or sweatshirt, even in the Summer months it can often get quite chilly when the sun goes down!