Why did the chicken cross the road? To volunteer at Rooster Day, of course.

With Rooster Day quickly approaching, Kirk Brooker, Operations Director for the Marengo County Historical Society, has sent out a call for volunteers to help with the incredibly popular event. Brooker said that he needs helpers at each event to keep the Rooster Day running smoothly on April 14. Volunteers are also needed the week prior.

The daylong event will span from 7:30 a.m. for the 1K and 5K race registration to 11 p.m. when the auction after-party winds down — not to mention the time needed before and after Rooster Day for any set-up or clean-up required.

Since Rooster Day is a fun event for the whole family, there is bound to be something for every would-be volunteer.

Brooker specifically mentioned that they needed help keeping the streets clear and the barricades in place during the races, “vendor hospitality” during Rooster Fair in Public Square and managing the kids in Coop Games.

He also said that set-up and clean-up, both for the day events and for the auction and after-party at Lyon Hall, is something with which the historical society always needs extra help.

According to Brooker, there are currently 25 volunteers working on Rooster Day, but 30-50 can easily be added to the base.

“Obviously the more volunteers you have, the smoother everything goes,” he said.

Brooker said that, while the requirements for volunteers “depends on what you want to volunteer for”, every rooster needs a smile.

The time requirements vary, and Brooker said that schedules can be worked around.

According to Brooker, the best thing to do to volunteer is to “call and let us know what you want to volunteer in and we can guide you and put you in what you want to be in and what you’re suited for.”

For those who can’t physically help out with Rooster Day, Brooker said to “make it your weekly mission to post on the event’s Facebook page.”

“There’s other things you can do like sharing the Facebook page, posting and publicizing.”

While Brooker said that Rooster Day benefits Demopolis because it brings in people who spend money and create a “trickle-down effect,” he also said that he believes there is more reason to volunteer.

“It just makes you feel good at the end of the day to know that you’ve helped out in some way.”

(This column originally appeared in the Wednesday, February 28 issue of the Demopolis Times.)