By registering as a volunteer for La Grange Oktoberfest, I acknowledge and agree to the following:

Voluntary Participation

I understand that my participation as a volunteer with La Grange Oktoberfest is entirely voluntary. I may discontinue my volunteer service at any time.

I further understand that volunteering does not create an employment relationship with the La Grange Business Association (LGBA), and I am not entitled to wages, benefits, workers’ compensation, or other employment-related compensation.

Any volunteer shirt, meal, admission, or other incidental item or benefit provided in connection with volunteering is provided as a courtesy and does not constitute wages or compensation.

Assumption of Risk

I understand that volunteering at an outdoor public festival involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Walking on sidewalks, streets, curbs, grass, gravel, or uneven or wet surfaces.
• Standing or walking for extended periods.
• Performing light cleaning and other general festival-support duties.
• Moving or carrying light supplies, tables, chairs, merchandise, or similar items.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and sun.
• Working during daylight and evening hours, including conditions with reduced visibility.
• Working around large crowds and interacting with members of the public, some of whom may have consumed alcohol.
• Being in the vicinity of tents, staging, generators, delivery vehicles, event equipment, barricades, and other temporary festival infrastructure.

I understand that volunteers are not expected to operate vehicles, generators, stage equipment, or other specialized equipment and should not do so unless specifically authorized and appropriately trained.

I voluntarily assume the ordinary risks associated with participating as a volunteer.

Release and Waiver of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Illinois law, I release and hold harmless the following parties from claims arising out of my voluntary participation in La Grange Oktoberfest:

• La Grange Business Association
• Village of La Grange
• Event sponsors
• Participating restaurants and breweries
• Participating vendors
• Event contractors and security providers
• Property owners hosting or adjacent to festival activities
• The respective officers, directors, employees, volunteers, contractors, representatives, agents, successors, and assigns of those stated above

This release applies to claims involving personal injury, illness, property damage, or other losses arising from my volunteer activities, except where such claims cannot legally be waived under applicable law.

Medical Authorization

In the event of an emergency, I authorize festival staff to obtain appropriate emergency medical treatment on my behalf if I am unable to do so.

I understand that I am responsible for any medical expenses that may result from such treatment.

For volunteers who are 16 or 17 years old, a parent or legal guardian must authorize emergency medical treatment on the minor’s behalf if the parent or guardian cannot be reached.

Volunteer Expectations

As a volunteer, I agree to:

• Follow the directions of festival staff, volunteer coordinators, and security personnel.
• Perform only the duties assigned to me.
• Report unsafe conditions, injuries, emergencies, or concerning behavior immediately to festival staff or security.
• Not attempt to intervene in confrontations, remove disruptive guests, or perform security functions.
• Treat guests, vendors, participating businesses, fellow volunteers, staff, security personnel, and others with courtesy and respect.
• Follow all festival safety rules and procedures.
• Return any volunteer materials or equipment provided to me at the conclusion of my shift.

I understand that volunteers will not be assigned to serve, handle, sell, or distribute alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol and Volunteer Conduct

I understand that alcohol may be served and consumed by guests at La Grange Oktoberfest.

I agree to report for my volunteer shift sober and unimpaired and to refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages while actively volunteering or during my volunteer shift.

I understand that volunteers should not confront or attempt to manage guests who appear intoxicated, disruptive, threatening, or unsafe. Such situations should be reported immediately to festival staff or security.

The La Grange Business Association reserves the right to end my volunteer service at any time if I appear impaired or if my conduct is unsafe, disruptive, harassing, inappropriate, or inconsistent with festival policies, or if I fail to follow the reasonable directions of festival staff or security personnel.

Cash, Payments, Merchandise and Festival Property

Some volunteer assignments may involve handling cash, electronic payment devices, steins, merchandise, wristbands, or other LGBA or festival property.

If assigned these responsibilities, I agree to:

• Follow LGBA procedures for sales, payments, cash handling, and merchandise distribution.
• Use cash, payment devices, merchandise, and other festival property only for their intended purposes.
• Promptly report discrepancies, lost property, equipment problems, or other issues to festival staff.
• Return all assigned cash, payment devices, merchandise, supplies, and other festival property at the conclusion of my shift.

I understand that the La Grange Business Association may remove a volunteer from an assignment for improper or unauthorized handling of money, merchandise, equipment, or other festival property.

Photography and Media Release

I grant permission to the La Grange Business Association and its authorized representatives to photograph, videotape, or otherwise record my participation during La Grange Oktoberfest.

I understand these images and recordings may be used in print, digital media, websites, social media, news releases, promotional materials, and other lawful purposes without compensation.

Personal Property

I understand that I am responsible for my own personal belongings while volunteering.

The La Grange Business Association is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.

Volunteers Ages 16–17

Volunteers who are 16 or 17 years old may participate only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

By providing consent, the parent or legal guardian:

• Gives permission for the minor to participate as a volunteer at La Grange Oktoberfest.
• Acknowledges the risks associated with the minor’s participation.
• Agrees to this Volunteer Waiver and Release on behalf of the minor to the fullest extent permitted by Illinois law.
• Authorizes festival staff to obtain appropriate emergency medical treatment for the minor if necessary and if the parent or legal guardian cannot be reached.
• Acknowledges responsibility for medical expenses resulting from such treatment.

Acknowledgement

By registering as a volunteer, I acknowledge that:

• I have read and understand this Volunteer Waiver and Release.
• I voluntarily agree to its terms.
• I understand that I am giving up certain legal rights by accepting this agreement.
• I am at least 16 years of age.
• If I am 16 or 17 years old, my parent or legal guardian must also provide consent before I may volunteer.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding this Volunteer Waiver or volunteering at La Grange Oktoberfest, please contact:

La Grange Business Association
info@lgba.com