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Helping hands needed for the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival

Published 7:15 am Monday, July 20, 2026

Volunteer for the Aug. 8 and 9 festival and support post-secondary learning for all ages

Whidbey Island is renowned for its arts community, so it’s no surprise that planning is well underway for August’s Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival. 

More than 150 artisans will share their jewelry, paintings, leather, ceramics, specialty foods and more across two days, Aug. 8 and 9.

However with so many vendors booked and high attendance expected, more volunteers are needed, says Sami Postma, festival board member.

“Setting up and tearing down are usually where we need people’s help the most but there are a variety of positions to fill,” she says, welcoming volunteers of all ages..

Available positions include: 

• Vendor unload assist
• Barrier monitor
• Coffee cart
• Booth sitter
• Water distribution
• Information booth
• ADA assistance
• Golf cart driver
• Operations
• Vendor breakdown assist
• Kids activities

The festival website links to a sign-up page for volunteering opportunities, including how many spots are still needed for each position. 

Volunteers are invited to an orientation Saturday, July 25, at 4:30 p.m. at the Coupeville library.

Helping further educational success

Volunteering also benefits educational goals.

Every year, part of the money brought in during the festival is awarded as scholarships for students of any age applying or currently enrolled in post-secondary education, including university, college, trade school and apprenticeships.

“It doesn’t have to be for high school kids going to college,” Postma notes. “In the last scholarship cycle, one of our volunteers applied and got accepted to use the funds for a saddle-making apprenticeship.” 

Four scholarships, each worth $2,000 are awarded each year.

Since 1964, the festival has given out more than $1.2 million in grants, with more than $110,000 in scholarships since 1991. 

To learn more about Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival, visit coupevillefestival.com