Become a Sponsor
Sponsor Application Deadline: April 14, 2024.
Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors
Megalodon Sponsors
NC Fossil Festival Friends:
Bragaw & Co
Tetterton’s Shoe Shop
Forrest Farm Supply
Travis Midgette
Vendor Opportunities
Commercial Food Vendor spaces are designated for those who will be preparing food on-site and selling to patrons/festival-goers.
Food Vendor spaces are designated for those who will be preparing food on-site and selling to patrons/festival-goers.
Food Vendor spaces are designated for non-profits who will be preparing food on-site and selling to patrons/festival-goers.
Food Vendor spaces designated for Local (Aurora and Richland Township, NC) non-profits who will be preparing food on-site and selling to patrons/festival-goers.
- You MUST submit a separate application for each type.
- If you sell jewelry, you may apply in a category other than Jewelry if the jewelry is less than 10% of your items for sale. Otherwise, you must apply in Jewelry.
- All work displayed in the booth must be for sale.
- Artists may apply for up to 3 categories.
- You MUST submit a separate application for each type.
- If you sell jewelry, you may apply in a category other than Jewelry if the jewelry is less than 10% of your items for sale. Otherwise, you must apply in Jewelry.
- All work displayed in the booth must be for sale.
Volunteer Opportunities
Every journey begins with setting up, and our festival is no different. We will need help to prepare the 2024 North Carolina Fossil Festival for its grand adventure!
Set-Up Volunteers will help with the following:
— Arrange tables, chairs, and tents to their respected places
— Placing signage and hanging banners
— Assist with other tasks that will prepare the festival for the rest of the weekend
Volunteer Perks:
4+ hours: A 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival shirt!
20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2024 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN!
Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis. So sign up ASAP!
The primary activity of any visit to the Aurora Fossil Museum and the NC Fossil Festival is searching for fossils in the museum’s fossil pits. Must be outgoing, able to be outside in the full sun for the duration of each shift, and must know about fossils frequently discovered in the Aurora Fossil Museum’s Fossil Pits.
Fossil Pit Crew will help with the following:
— Monitor the fossil pits to ensure the safety of festival participants
— Identify and educate fossil hunters about the fossils they find.
There are three fossil pit locations:
— Main Pit: located at the corner of Main & Fourth Streets, across from the Aurora Fossil Museum
— Back Pit: located next to the Aurora Fossil Museum’s parking lot
— Kids Pit: located on Main Street beside the Aurora Fossil Museum’s Learning Center
Volunteer Perks:
4+ hours: A 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival shirt!
20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2024 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN!
Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP!
Even if you don’t run in the 5k, consider being part of the Fossil 5k Crew to rev your day!
Fossil 5k Volunteers will help with the following:
— Pack Leader and Turtle
— Set up guides to ensure runners stay on the path
— Filling water stations so no one gets dehydrated
— Cheering runners on at finish line
— Cleaning up any trash after the run is over
Volunteer Perks:
4+ hours: A 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival shirt!
20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2024 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN!
Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP!
Do you like to help keep the Earth clean and happy? Want to help keep the festival area clean? Then consider volunteering to collect trash!
Trash Crew Volunteers will help with the following:
— Monitor and pick up trash in and around the festival footprint
— Monitor and empty trash cans as they become full
Volunteer Perks:
4+ hours: A 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival shirt!
20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2024 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN!
Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP!
Are you a people person? Do you have an outgoing personality? Are you good at answering questions and providing information? Then help out as one of our Info Station Crew!
Info Station Volunteers Should:
— Welcome people entering the festival
— Encourage donations to the Aurora Fossil Museum
— Ask festival attendees to complete a survey
— Market and sell NC Fossil Festival merchandise
— Assist festival attendees with the event map and schedule of events/activities
We will have three(3) Information Booth locations:
— Corner of Pearl & Third Streets (Alpha-Main Entrance)
— In front of the Aurora Fossil Museum (Bravo-408 Main Street)
— Corner of Fifth & Main Streets (Charlie)
Volunteer Perks:
4+ hours: Receive a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival shirt!
20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2024 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN!
Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP!
SUNDAY ONLY. Sign up to assist our Program Developer with STEM-based activities for all to learn and enjoy.
Volunteer Perks:
4+ hours: Receive a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival shirt!
20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2024 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN!
Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP!
Are you a people person? Do you have an outgoing personality? Are you good at answering questions and handling boxes of shovels? Then help out in the Gift Shop!
Gift Shop Volunteers Should:
— Welcome people entering the Main Building of the Aurora Fossil Museum and Outdoor Gift Shop
— Assist Museum Staff with handling Gift Shop items
— Market and sell NC Fossil Festival merchandise
— Encourage donations to the Aurora Fossil Museum
— Assist festival attendees with general festival & museum questions.
We will have two Gift Shop locations:
— 400 Main Street (Inside the Main Museum Building)
— Fossil Park Picnic Shelter
Volunteer Perks:
4+ hours: Receive a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival shirt!
20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2024 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN!
Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP!
On Memorial Day, the Aurora Fossil Museum will host a Veteran’s & First Responder’s breakfast to show our appreciation of those who have served and serve our country and the Aurora Community.
Veteran’s & First Responder’s Breakfast Crew will help with the following:
— Setup and prepare the Aurora Community Building on Sunday for the Monday breakfast.
— Monday morning prep
— Cleanup and ensuring all tables, chairs, and other related items are taken down after the breakfast is over on Monday.
Volunteer Perks:
4+ hours: A 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival shirt!
20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2024 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN!
Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP!
A festival doesn’t end until all evidence is gone! So, help us conclude the festival by being helping out on the Post-Festival Crew!
Post-Festival Crew will help with the following:
— Remove tables, tents, and chairs
— Organizing and preparing equipment for storage
— Pick up remaining trash
— Assist with other tasks to ensure the museum and town grounds are clean and orderly
Volunteer Perks:
4+ hours: A 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival shirt!
20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2024 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN!
Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP!
Ssshhh! It’s time for the Silent Auction and its time to we need your help!
The Silent Auction Crew will help with the following:
— Set up, monitor, and provide information about the auction items
— Provide directions on how the silent auction works
— Assist with silent auction sign-up
— Assist with post-auction processing and clean-up
Volunteer Perks:
4+ hours: A 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival shirt!
20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2024 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN!
Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP!
Since the early 1900s, the Town of Aurora has been known for its parades. You can be part of the Aurora tradition by helping with the NC Fossil Festival Parade!
Parade Volunteers will help with the following:
— assisting the Parade Committee with tasks before, during, and after the parade
— assist with parade float and vehicle line-up
— post-parade clean up of parade route
Volunteer Perks:
4+ hours: Receive a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and
12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival shirt!
20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2024 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN!
Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP!
Kids Zone Crew will help with the following monitor, lead, and assist with youth activities
Volunteer Perks:
4+ hours: Receive a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival shirt!
20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2024 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN!
Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP!
While parking isn’t the most fun position to volunteer for, it is one of the most valuable places we can use your help!
Parking Volunteers will help with the following:
— Guide cars to parking spots within designated festival parking areas
— Ensure the safety of people driving and walking in parking lots
— Greet people and direct them to the Information Booths.
There are three festival parking zones
— General Parking
— Volunteer/Vendor Parking
— Handicap Parking
Volunteer Perks:
4+ hours: A 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
6+ hours: Receive lunch on us and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt!
12+ hours: Receive lunch on us, a 2024 NC Fossil Festival Crew shirt, and a 2024 NC Fossil Festival shirt!
20+ hours: Receive all of the above, PLUS A 2024 NC FOSSIL FESTIVAL CHALLENGE COIN!
Each volunteer slot is on a first-come, first-serve basis so sign up ASAP!
Jurassic Classic
Enter the NC Fossil Festival Jurassic Classic bike ride on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
NC Fossil Fest 5K Run
The NC Fossil Fest 5k Run will take place on Monday, May 27, 2024.
The Virtual 5K will take place from May 18 to June 1, 2024.
Parade
Apply to participate in the North Carolina Fossil Festival Parade which will occur at 11 am on Saturday, May 25, 2024.