The Southeastern Manitoba Festival runs each year thanks to approximately 150 volunteers.

Festival president Candace Hamm says there are varying commitments from being on the committee to volunteering for a couples hours one day to volunteering for the entire four weeks of the festival.

Bev Plett is an adjudicator secretary and has been volunteering in the position for about five years. Plett says she participated in a music festival as a child and knows volunteers are an important part of keeping it running each year.

"For me, volunteering is an important life skill or life experience. To do something that you're not getting paid to do, that's something you can't just learn or experience through anything but volunteering. It's rewarding in a way that you won't quite understand until you do it yourself."

Plett adds volunteering is also a great community building experience, to work together with other people who are giving of their time.

She says there are many benefits for the performers of any age, and if volunteering will keep the festival running for those who want to participate, Plett adds she wants to help provide that. She says performing in SEMF gives people the opportunity to showcase their talent, practice their gifts and talents, gain confidence, and learn how to receive both constructive criticism and praise.

The Southeastern Manitoba Festival began Monday evening and the Stars Gala is on March 22.