Volunteer Sign-Up Is Open — Be Part of the Day
The 49th Annual Oatmeal Festival runs on the people who show up to make it happen — and this year, sign-up for volunteer shifts is officially open. Whether you’re a high schooler looking to start earning scholarship hours or an adult who wants to help keep the whole day running smoothly, there’s a shift with your name on it.
Volunteering here isn’t just checking a box — it’s front-row access to a Bertram tradition almost five decades in the making. You’ll be right in the middle of the action, working alongside neighbors, catching up with old friends, and meeting new ones.
Two Ways to Be Part of It
🎓 Students, Grades 9–12
Every hour you volunteer counts toward a graduating-senior scholarship — 2025 graduating seniors received awards ranging from $200 to $1,200, based on total hours volunteered across grades 9–12. Hours stack up across all four years of high school — the earlier you start, the more it adds up by the time you apply.
🤝 Adults
The festival can’t run without experienced adults on the ground — parking cars, judging the Bake-Off, keeping Kids Zone safe and fun, and everything in between. Give two hours or give the whole day; every shift filled means a better event for the whole town.
A Full Day of Festival Fun — And You Could Be Part of It
From sunup to sundown, downtown Bertram turns into one big celebration. Here’s a look at some of the activities volunteers help bring to life:
Where Volunteers Are Needed
That’s on top of everything else happening around town — the Grande Parade, Pet Parade, Wacky Games, Washer Tournament, live music, and more. Volunteering is a great way to be right in the middle of it all instead of just watching from the sidelines. See the full lineup of the day on our Schedule page.
Want the full rundown — including the youth scholarship program details and exactly what each shift involves? Visit the Volunteer page for everything you need to know.
Volunteering doesn’t mean sitting out the rest of the festival, either — plenty of volunteers also enter the Bake-Off, walk in the Pet Parade, or sign up for the Fun Run around their shift. Check out our Register & Participate page for all the other ways to join in.
Questions about volunteering? Reach us anytime at info@oatmealfestival.org.
Coming Next Week
→Wacky Games & the Washer Tournament — silly Texas fun for the whole family.
