wannabe volunteer

I have heard that it is possible to volunteer to work on a hot air balloon crew. Perhaps this only applies to someone looking for a local group to participate with. But I'm going to be in France this summer and was considering attending the gathering in Lorraine from July 25 to Aug 3, 2003. Are there many teams/groups/crews at these events that are looking for extra help? Is it possible or likely to be able to find a team that would involve me? How would I go about finding them? What different roles (and how many people) are usually involved for a team at an event like that? If it wasn't already apparent I have no experience with balloons, just a nagging desire to participate instead of just watch. Advice?

Get in touch with the folks organizing the event. They're usually scrambling around to get all the volunteers they can get, experienced or not. Most pilots don't mind have a 'rookie' or two on the crew. There are always things an inexperienced person can help with as long as they are willing to listen to and follow directions.

Norm

I would like to get in touch with the organizers, but the link on the event's webpage for 'contact' isn't doing anything. Is there any other way to find their contact information? I still haven't heard many details on what a rookie on a crew might expect to do... By the way, I am coming from the USA, but I will be studying and travelling around Germany for the months preceding the event.

Do they have a mailing address? I'm not familiar with the event, so I don't know anything about it. If there is any way to contact them (since apparently the contact link on their website isn't working), write them, give them a call, whatever. If you have an itinerary for your excursion around Germany, you might pass it along to them so they can send you things. Or if you'll be able to check your email, tell them to email you with info or questions or whatever.

Norm