You enter the fair gates and lights flash all around. The smell of deep fried foods fills the air. But before you can join in the fun there is something you must do. You look around but cannot find your destination. Then, you see the visitors center. You run to the volunteer at the booth, and ask, "Where are the bathrooms?"
Volunteer Pat Mallen said this is one of the most common questions asked at the visitors center, with "Where's an ATM?" a close second.
"It's amazing how many people don't have money with them," volunteer Joe Mallen said.
Anyone who wants to find an ATM or a baby changing table needs the visitors center, volunteer Carol Martz said.
The center was established by BB&T bank and originally run by their employees until the fair took it over. "BB&T still has a lot of volunteers who help out," superintendent Nancy Blank said.
Three superintendents are in charge: Blank, Mary Flinn, and Carol Williamson. Blank is a two-year veteran. She said getting volunteers can be stressful, though they get free tickets to the fair, so they don't have to pay while they are volunteering.
Two-hour shifts are scheduled throughout the day. The visitors' centers open at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.
The three centers are near Building 9, in Machinery Row and in front of Building 2. The small gazebo-like structures are marked with yellow flags.
Inside are flyers, maps, fair information and activities for children. Fairgoers can also get a Great Frederick Fair poster, which can be cut and folded into a cube.
"Kid's day last year we had a lot of questions," said Joe Mallen. "It all depends on what day it is."
Volunteers hear some strange questions. "Why doesn't the ATM have money?" was the oddest inquiry Martz got last year when the automated teller ran out of cash.
Other folks ask if they can bring in their well-behaved dogs, Blank said. (The answer is no.)
The volunteers said they enjoy what they do. "It's a fun job. I get to see lots of nice people," Pat Mallen said.
"I see a lot of friends. It's a total pleasure unless it's cold, rainy, or windy," Martz said.
During slow periods, the volunteers enjoy a quiet moment. Blank said she likes to "read up on info, make sure I can answer as many questions as I can."
Pat Mallen takes a more laid-back approach. "Just sit here and relax," she said. "Enjoy the sunshine and the people."
