The sticker on the bulletin board in J.H. Martin’s office sums him up perfectly—“Grow Up Later.”
Since the very first FestForAll in 1974, he and friend Cliff Barton have volunteered their time to help run the annual spring arts festival in downtown Baton Rouge. Over the years, the two men have developed a comedic rapport and a great friendship. Though they each have full time jobs, families, and healthy traveling habits, FestForAll always draws them back in.
“I never played golf, didn’t fish much, and couldn’t see hitting a ball one hundred yards and chasing after it,” Martin said jokingly about why he volunteers. “I bowled once, but the ball came back to me.”
Martin and Barton have volunteered together in some capacity for more than thirty years. They first met as volunteers for the Louisiana State Fair, becoming involved with FestForAll when Martin was asked to provide his financial expertise (he was the State Fair’s treasurer for many years). The two even travel together occasionally for the state fair conventions. “We talk almost every day, especially this time of year,” said Martin.
The dynamic duo are in charge of recruiting volunteers to manage ticket intake during the two-day FestForAll, which takes place April 2—3 this year along North Boulevard from the Old Governor’s Mansion to the North Boulevard Town Square. Though managing the twenty to forty volunteers can demand much of their time, Martin and Barton still get to putt around the festival in a golf cart: “It’s a good mix of music and artists,” said Martin.
This year, FestForAll participants can expect more than one hundred visual artists and master craftsmen from more than a dozen states. Festival-goers can shop for pottery, woodwork, stained glass, jewelry, and much more from award-winning artists. The festival also features music of all genres, including blues, jazz, bluegrass, Cajun, country, Americana, and rock on live outdoor stages. The Children’s Village, which, like the rest of the festival, is free and open to the public, will feature hands-on art activities, puppeteers, storytellers, jugglers, and musicians. As Martin said, “It’s a little bit of work and a little bit of organizing; but, mostly, FestForAll is fun.”
