AMES EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Night Watchers in the Gardens: Volunteering at Reiman Gardens’ Spirits in the Gardens
Volunteer shifts run during Spirits in the Gardens (October 10–12) at Reiman Gardens in Ames; this guide lays out roles, route flow, and sign-up options for individuals and groups.
Night Watchers in the Gardens: Volunteering at Reiman Gardens’ Spirits in the Gardens.
Volunteer at Spirits in the Gardens and help shape a welcoming, slightly mysterious evening: volunteers greet visitors, manage traffic flow through the illuminations, take photos at staged opportunities, and hand out treats along the route during the event in October.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Greeters and Flow Managers
Event volunteers are stationed throughout the gardens, usually working in pairs to greet visitors, manage the flow of foot traffic, and help create an inclusive atmosphere for everyone attending the evening event.
Photo Opps and Candy Stations
Volunteers staff photo-op stations along the route and help at Candy Factory stations that hand out treats at the end of the route; candy distribution is organized across multiple stations each shift.
Individuals and Groups Welcome
Individuals and organized groups are invited to volunteer, though space is limited; options include both front-line event roles and other preparation tasks around the gardens.
What the day feels like
What Volunteering Feels Like
Across evening shifts in October, volunteers move through lantern-lit paths and themed stations, greeting families and guests, keeping lines moving, capturing photographs, and handing out candy—playing a hands-on role in the visitor experience during Spirits in the Gardens.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this volunteer opportunity suits—and who should look for alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Spirits in the Gardens runs Friday through Sunday in October; the volunteer event is scheduled for October 10–12.
Shift details, including specific times, are available via the event calendar; volunteers should consult those listings for any role-specific instructions.
The event and volunteer check-in are operated by Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa; consult the gardens’ volunteer pages for exact meeting locations and check-in procedures.
Space is limited; individuals and groups should reserve volunteer slots in advance through the Reiman Gardens volunteer sign-up channels.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When is Spirits in the Gardens held and when are volunteer shifts?
Spirits in the Gardens takes place Friday–Sunday in October; volunteer opportunities for the event are scheduled for October 10–12.
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
Volunteers must be age 13 or older to participate.
Can I volunteer as an individual or with a group?
Both individuals and groups are welcome to volunteer, though space is limited—group sign-ups and coordinated volunteer opportunities are offered.
What volunteer roles are available during the event?
Roles include Event Volunteers stationed in pairs to greet visitors, manage traffic flow, and take photos at photo-op stations, and Candy Factory volunteers who distribute candy at the route’s end.
How is candy distribution organized?
Candy distribution occurs at seven Candy Factory stations per shift; stations typically have 2–4 volunteers and hand out two pieces of candy per guest or a Teal Pumpkin Bag option.
Are there other ways to volunteer beyond event-night shifts?
Yes—additional volunteer opportunities include prepping the gardens for winter and Spirits and helping to trace, gut, carve, and place pumpkins; the gardens’ volunteer pages list those options and booking links.