The Ginkgo Festival is right around the corner. Although it is a celebration of laughter, the not so funny thing is they are still in need of volunteers.

“We are only working two-hour shifts, and the locations are either at venues or near venues.” said Lynn Reed, director of volunteers for the festival.

It is an opportunity for volunteers to help the community in which they live, and to show their pride to people from out of town.

“It’s going to be a tremendously fun weekend for volunteers. We need them,” said Michael Condon, sales director of the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Those who wish to volunteer should go to the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau, 213 Duff Ave., to register.

Duties for volunteers include tending events like the celebrity wok-off, the edible art contests, the cartoon and film festivals and working barricade entrances

Anyone can volunteer for one or more two-hour shifts, and all volunteers will receive a free 1995 Ginkgo Festival t-shirt.