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Rec Hall Activities (Chef Demo/Mussel Tussle/Mussel Eating Contest)

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Deadline: Mar 05, 2026 11:59 pm (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
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Musselfest 2026
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Date: Mar 06, 2026 5:00 pm - Mar 08, 2026 4:00 pm (PST)
place
Front St, Alexander St & Grace St., Coupeville, Washington 98239, United States

About the event

Welcome to the 40th Anniversary of the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Associations’ Penn Cove Musselfest! We celebrate our local vibrant historic downtown shops, restaurants and Penn Cove Mussels. There are kid friendly activities, food demos, mussel eating contests, food vendors, a beer tent (Blue Zone), and live music.
Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association
Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association
Contact Organizer
Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association
Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association
Contact Organizer

About the application

Hey there, Festival-Ready Volunteers! Huge thanks for jumping in to bring the energy, flavor, and fun to Penn Cove Musselfest 2026! Whether you’re helping guests check in for the Chowder Tasting, hyping up the Rec Hall crowd, supporting Chef Demos, keeping the Mussel Tussle running smoothly, or cheering on the brave competitors in the Mussel Eating Contest, you’re a big part of the magic. What you’ll be doing: You’ll help keep the vibes high and the activities flowing—welcoming guests, helping set up the activity space, keeping everything looking sharp, supporting chefs or contest crew, and keeping the sponsor slideshow running smoothly. Each area has its own flavor, but the mission stays the same: fun, seamless operations, and lots of mussel-powered memories. Quick pro tips: Before heading to your assigned spot, swing by the Masonic Lodge to check in with the Volunteer Coordinator and pick up your T-shirt. Give yourself a little extra time to get geared up and ready to roll! When your shift wraps, head back to the Masonic Lodge to drop off any equipment and grab your volunteer verification letter—because your awesomeness deserves to be officially recognized. Thanks for helping make Musselfest unforgettable—your enthusiasm keeps the heart of the festival beating! Let’s make this year’s events the best (and tastiest) yet!

Terms & Conditions

Terms and Conditions for Volunteers at Penn Cove Musselfest Merchandise Booth These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") outline the expectations, responsibilities, and legal agreements for individuals volunteering with the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association ("CHWA" or "the Organization") in partnership with Penn Cove Shellfish for the Penn Cove Musselfest Merchandise Booth ("the Activity"). By participating as a volunteer, you agree to abide by these Terms. The Organization reserves the right to update these Terms at any time, and continued participation implies acceptance of any changes. 1. Eligibility and Application Age Requirement: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old due to handling sales and event materials, or if under 18, be accompanied by a responsible adult. Application Process: All volunteers must complete an application form via the penncovemusselfest.com website or through CHWA. Health and Fitness: Volunteers must be in good physical health and disclose any medical conditions that could affect participation, such as standing for extended periods. Skills and Training: Volunteers should have basic customer service and organizational skills and be willing and able to train on Square and other platforms for handling sales and inventory. 2. Volunteer Responsibilities Duties: Volunteers will be assigned to keep merchandise stocked and orderly, assist customers in finding what they want, and complete transactions (handling cash or digital payments securely). The Merchandise Booth is located in the Rec Hall. Specific duties will be based on skills, availability, and Event needs. Conduct: Maintain a professional, courteous, and respectful demeanor at all times toward participants, staff, and fellow volunteers. No discrimination, harassment, or disruptive behavior will be tolerated. Volunteers must adhere to the Organization's code of conduct, including accurate record-keeping and positive promotion of the Event's souvenirs and traditions. Compliance: Follow all instructions from Activity coordinators or staff. Comply with local laws, Event policies, and data protection guidelines (e.g., handling customer information responsibly during transactions). Confidentiality: Do not disclose sensitive information about participants, sales, or Event operations without permission. Availability and Check-In/Out: Commit to scheduled shifts and arrive at your station 5 minutes early, staying 5 minutes after for handoff. All volunteers must check in at the Masonic Lodge with the Volunteer Coordinator before proceeding to assigned locations—allow ample time. At the end of your shift, check out through the Masonic Lodge to return any equipment and request letters verifying volunteer time. 3. Safety and Risk Acknowledgment Inherent Risks: The Activity involves risks such as handling merchandise, crowds, or minor physical tasks (e.g., lifting items). Volunteers acknowledge these risks and participate at their own peril. Safety Equipment and Procedures: Use any provided safety gear or tools as directed. Report hazards, equipment issues, or incidents immediately. Familiarize yourself with emergency protocols, including crowd management and first aid. Hygiene and Health: Follow general hygiene guidelines to ensure a clean and safe environment for participants during interactions and handling of merchandise. Insurance: The Organization provides limited liability insurance for volunteers during assigned activities. Volunteers are responsible for their own health, travel, and personal property insurance. 4. Liability Waiver and Release Waiver: By volunteering, you waive any claims against the Organization, Penn Cove Shellfish, their staff, affiliates, sponsors, or other volunteers for injury, loss, or damage arising from participation, except in cases of gross negligence. Indemnification: You agree to indemnify the Organization and its partners against any claims resulting from your actions or omissions, such as errors in sales or merchandise handling. Photo/Video Release: The Organization may capture and use photos or videos of volunteers for promotional purposes related to the Event. If you object, notify the coordinator in writing prior to your shift. 5. Termination and Disciplinary Action Termination: The Organization may terminate volunteer participation at any time for violations of these Terms, unsafe behavior, poor performance, or other reasons. No Compensation: Volunteering is unpaid and voluntary; no employment relationship is implied. Limited reimbursements for pre-approved expenses may be available. Dispute Resolution: Any disputes will be resolved through informal mediation with CHWA coordinators, or if necessary, under the laws of the State of Washington. 6. Environmental and Ethical Commitments Sustainability: Promote eco-friendly practices aligned with the Event's focus on local shellfish, such as minimizing waste in merchandise packaging and encouraging sustainable souvenir choices. Community Focus: Uphold the Event's emphasis on celebrating the local traditions by providing excellent service and fostering a welcoming environment for all attendees. 7. Acceptance By signing or electronically agreeing to these Terms (e.g., via the volunteer application), you confirm you have read, understood, and accept them. For questions, contact the CHWA volunteer coordinator at info@penncovemusselfest.com or through the Event website.

Shifts

Title Location Time Slots available Hours
Rec Hall Activities Lead Coupeville Rec Hall Mar 06, 2026 12:00 am - Mar 08, 2026 11:59 pm 0 71
message Grab the mic and the mussel knife—become the Rec Hall Activities Lead at Musselfest 2026, the ultimate maestro of flavor, fun, and full-on festival frenzy! You’ll run the show from soup to nuts: training your volunteer squad on shucking for Chef Demos, directing lightning-fast setup and cleanup for the epic Mussel Tussle (where two chefs battle for the title of tastiest dish), and transforming the room for the legendary Mussel Eating Contest (30 fearless eaters devouring 3 cups of Penn Cove Mussels in a gloriously sloppy showdown!). When the spotlight hits, you’ll step up as Master of Ceremonies as needed—hype the crowd, introduce chefs and contestants, crack jokes between slurps, and keep the energy sky-high while the bibs fly and the cheers roar. You’ll also keep supplies stocked, answer questions with culinary charisma, ensure everything is perfectly prepped before doors open and sparkling clean at day’s end, and serve as the direct line to Musselfest Leadership for any curveballs. Perfect for a charismatic, unflappable leader who loves food, crowds, and a little controlled chaos—no toque required, just big energy, quick timing, and a passion for making Rec Hall the most deliciously entertaining spot at the festival. Take the stage (and the shucker) and lead the tastiest takeover of Musselfest 2026!
Rec Hall Activities Vol Coupeville Rec Hall Mar 07, 2026 11:00 am - 1:30 pm 4 3
message Dive into the delicious drama as a Rec Hall Activities Volunteer at Musselfest 2026, where you'll be the behind-the-scenes superstar fueling the festival's tastiest showdowns! Pitch in to shuck fresh mussels for sizzling Chef Demos, lend a hand with setup and cleanup for the epic Mussel Tussle—where two culinary champs battle it out to craft the ultimate mussel masterpiece (and hey, you might snag a sneaky taste test!). Then, flex your rearranging skills to transform the space for the legendary Mussel Eating Contest, cheering on 30 fearless contenders as they slurp their way through 3 cups of Penn Cove Mussels in a gloriously messy race for the crown—crowd favorite alert! No kitchen wizardry required—just a hunger for fun, a wipe-down attitude, and a tolerance for shellfish shenanigans! Sign up and savor the Musselfest madness! Chef Demos 11:30 - 12:15 Mussel Tussle 12:30 - 1:30 Chef Demos 2:00 - 2: 45 Mussel Eating Contest 3:15 - 3:45
Rec Hall Activities Vol Coupeville Rec Hall Mar 07, 2026 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm 4 3
message Dive into the delicious drama as a Rec Hall Activities Volunteer at Musselfest 2026, where you'll be the behind-the-scenes superstar fueling the festival's tastiest showdowns! Pitch in to shuck fresh mussels for sizzling Chef Demos, lend a hand with setup and cleanup for the epic Mussel Tussle—where two culinary champs battle it out to craft the ultimate mussel masterpiece (and hey, you might snag a sneaky taste test!). Then, flex your rearranging skills to transform the space for the legendary Mussel Eating Contest, cheering on 30 fearless contenders as they slurp their way through 3 cups of Penn Cove Mussels in a gloriously messy race for the crown—crowd favorite alert! No kitchen wizardry required—just a hunger for fun, a wipe-down attitude, and a tolerance for shellfish shenanigans! Sign up and savor the Musselfest madness! Chef Demos 11:30 - 12:15 Mussel Tussle 12:30 - 1:30 Chef Demos 2:00 - 2: 45 Mussel Eating Contest 3:15 - 3:45
Rec Hall Activities Vol Coupeville Rec Hall Mar 08, 2026 11:00 am - 1:30 pm 4 3
message Dive into the delicious drama as a Rec Hall Activities Volunteer at Musselfest 2026, where you'll be the behind-the-scenes superstar fueling the festival's tastiest showdowns! Pitch in to shuck fresh mussels for sizzling Chef Demos, lend a hand with setup and cleanup for the epic Mussel Tussle—where two culinary champs battle it out to craft the ultimate mussel masterpiece (and hey, you might snag a sneaky taste test!). Then, flex your rearranging skills to transform the space for the legendary Mussel Eating Contest, cheering on 30 fearless contenders as they slurp their way through 3 cups of Penn Cove Mussels in a gloriously messy race for the crown—crowd favorite alert! No kitchen wizardry required—just a hunger for fun, a wipe-down attitude, and a tolerance for shellfish shenanigans! Sign up and savor the Musselfest madness! Chef Demos 11:30 - 12:15 Mussel Tussle 12:30 - 1:30 Chef Demos 2:00 - 2: 45 Mussel Eating Contest 3:15 - 3:45
Rec Hall Activities Vol Coupeville Rec Hall Mar 08, 2026 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm 4 3
message Dive into the delicious drama as a Rec Hall Activities Volunteer at Musselfest 2026, where you'll be the behind-the-scenes superstar fueling the festival's tastiest showdowns! Pitch in to shuck fresh mussels for sizzling Chef Demos, lend a hand with setup and cleanup for the epic Mussel Tussle—where two culinary champs battle it out to craft the ultimate mussel masterpiece (and hey, you might snag a sneaky taste test!). Then, flex your rearranging skills to transform the space for the legendary Mussel Eating Contest, cheering on 30 fearless contenders as they slurp their way through 3 cups of Penn Cove Mussels in a gloriously messy race for the crown—crowd favorite alert! No kitchen wizardry required—just a hunger for fun, a wipe-down attitude, and a tolerance for shellfish shenanigans! Sign up and savor the Musselfest madness! Chef Demos 11:30 - 12:15 Mussel Tussle 12:30 - 1:30 Chef Demos 2:00 - 2: 45 Mussel Eating Contest 3:15 - 3:45

Questions on the application

Volunteer information

  • Name
  • Email
  • Phone
  • Age
  • Emergency contacts
  • T-shirt size

Additional information

  • Do you need a letter certifying your volunteer time?
  • My signature below indicates that I have read and accept the Terms and Conditions listed in this Volunteer Application.
  • If your letter is not available/Picked up before the end of Musselfest, where would you like it sent?
Rec Hall Activities (Chef Demo/Mussel Tussle/Mussel Eating Contest)
Rec Hall Activities (Chef Demo/Mussel Tussle/Mussel Eating Contest)
Musselfest 2026
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