Folsom Live, running Sept. 23-24, is always a crowd pleaser with live music and dancing, but what happens behind the stage? More than 50 volunteers are said to run the show and keep crowds happy. Candy Colson, 54, has been a volunteer for 16 years in Folsom and leads the shuttle stop volunteer team. “My favorite thing about volunteering is the relationships I make and maintain,” Colson said. “This is basically a full time job without being paid money, but the relationships I make are much more than money can buy.” As a Folsom Live volunteer, Colson said the Folsom Chamber of Commerce will give her an assignment area, like the shuttle stop, and she will get to work with other volunteers. “I get to hand-pick volunteers in the community and put their talents to a good use,” she said. “This year we have five lots with a key person at each lot for both nights, so there will be 10 volunteers total at the stops.” She said shuttle volunteers are the first workers people see as they arrive, so they set the stage and the standard for attendees. The shuttle runs throughout the event to ensure people can return to their vehicles safely from outside parking lot locations. “I anticipate what is needed and what it will look like,” she said. “Volunteering keeps me involved with something greater than me.” Adam Frick, 42, with FolsomLiving.com, volunteers as the venue manager in the 600 block of Sutter Street during Folsom Live. “I sit on the board of directors with the chamber … so I help out at the different events,” Frick said. He said he even helped create the Folsom Live logo a few years ago. “We have to close the street to allow people to walk around during the event,” he said. “So as a volunteer we have to work with the Folsom Police Department to ensure the street closure is safely done.” As a venue manager, he and three other managers, also work with event staff and local bartenders to ensure everything is run smoothly. “We oversee and assist everything that happens at the stage,” he said. “My favorite part about being a volunteer is being a part of everything,” he said. “I’m assisting and helping to create a community event. We are making a difference and it feels good.” Kevin Gleave, 47, of Folsom has helped out with the local event on and off for seven years. “I have a lot of friends, so the more friends you get the more you get involved,” Gleave said. Gleave volunteers as a main gate captain at Folsom Live and said it is a fun place to socialize while helping out. “I stay at the main gate to help make sure other volunteers have what they need, like wristbands and collateral for incoming people,” he said. “I also help hand out the Folsom Live merchandise. I volunteer to be a part of something and feel like I’m making a difference.” This year, Folsom Live will include 30 bands on 10 stages for two nights of entertainment Sept. 23-24. For more information on how to become a Folsom Live volunteer, e-mail Colson at candycolson@comcast.net. For more information on Folsom Live, visit folsomlive.com.