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The American Red Cross is calling for volunteers to assist with its parking lot operations at the upcoming New York State Fair, set to begin on Wednesday (August 20) in Syracuse. Volunteers are needed to direct traffic, show cars where to park, and sell food and merchandise. Each volunteer will receive free parking and a fair ticket for every shift worked.
The parking lot, located across from the old Crucible plant, charges $15 per vehicle, with all proceeds supporting Red Cross programs and services. Despite Crucible Industries going bankrupt in December 2024, the Red Cross confirmed that the fundraiser will continue as planned.
According to CNYCentral, the Red Cross parking lot will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day of the fair, which runs until Monday (September 1). This initiative has been a staple at the fair since 2002 and is one of the Red Cross's largest fundraising events. In 2020, the organization faced a significant financial shortfall when the fair was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Volunteers can choose from over 400 available shifts, including morning, afternoon, and evening slots. Interested individuals can sign up on the Red Cross website.