The 2008 Riverfest is happening May 9-17, and is in need of volunteers. Wichita Festivals, Inc. has been heavily recruiting volunteers since February, but still has nearly 1,000 positions available.

"There are many open shifts available. People can basically sign up now for their preferred shift," said volunteer manager Kim Wickliffe. "We utilize about 15,000 volunteer hours during the week of Riverfest. If we had one unique volunteer for each four-hour shift, we would need just under 4,000 people to staff the festival. That's a lot of man-power to find."

Those 15,000 hours can be filled, though, and acting now to sign up for your 4-hour shift will allow you to pick and choose your preferred shift.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer: