Meet Ann Marie Allen

November Volunteer of the Month!!!! Meet Ann Marie - aka the Chalk Lady!

Ann Marie is one of the most recognizable faces around Home County. Over the course of the weekend, you'll find Ann Marie moving between the South Stage and the Main Stage, collecting donations and mingling with all the attendees, many of whom return year after year. She also has all the CHALK. Walking through the festival, you'll see the incredible creations from attendees young and old - all stemming from Ann Marie's supply of chalk.

Ann Marie says her favourite part of volunteering at Home County is the people - both her fellow volunteers and the attendees. She also loves getting to meet performers - including some of her long time favourites.

Ann Marie has been volunteering with Home County for the last 6 years. She was walking through the park on a Thursday and asked if she could pitch in. The rest is history! And we are so thankful for her.

We asked Ann Marie for her most memorable memory from Home County and she did not disappoint. "My very first Home County, I was taking donations among other things for South Stage. Rain was called for on the Saturday (of course it was, it was HC weekend!) so I bought some drop cloths at the Dollarstore. It started to rain and I saw three older women sitting together in their lawnchairs. It was starting to rain harder so I took them a drop cloth and helped them cover up. A man was nearby and I asked if he could join them.

The next time I walked by there was loud laughter and giggling coming from under the drop cloth. I asked what the heck was going on under there and they just laughed harder.

It's a favourite memory and I will treasure it forever. I never knew what stories they were telling but it made me happy to know they were so happy at HC."

Thank you Ann Marie Allen for your energy, your smile and your chalky inspiration. We are incredibly grateful.