SLIPPERY ROCK — The planners of VillageFest have put together a bigger and more ambitious schedule than ever.

But now they need help in carrying out those plans.

Most of the monetary sponsors are in place, including the two major ones — the North Country Brewing Co. and Slippery Rock University's Association of Residence Hall Students.

Now it's time to line up the volunteers to make the Sept. 13 festival run smoothly, according to organizers. Because this year's festival will be bigger than ever, more volunteers are needed.

"We're always looking for volunteers because it's all volunteer run," said Jane Burger, committee member.

Jobs are varied and include putting up signs in the next few months, setting up booths, helping to direct people during the festival and cleaning up afterward.

The festival's budget and number of sponsors has grown as well. Businesses or individuals can become sponsors for donating as little as $50 all the way up to $3,000 or more.

The sixth annual event will take over Main Street between Cooper and New Castle streets. Games for children and other events will be held in Gateway Park and the second annual BrewFest will be held in the NexTier Bank parking lot.

A big crowd is expected, thanks in part to more people hearing about attractions in northern Butler County, Burger said.

"Slippery Rock is also getting more attention in the region," she said. "People are realizing this is a visitor destination."

Visitors say prices are reasonable, such as the cost of children's games, Burger said. Popular events such as the karaoke-like "Slippery Rock Idol" and the BrewFest also bring back crowds each year, committee members said.

"This is really an example of everyone working together: businesses, the university and the community," Burger said.

Parking is free, with a shuttle service offering rides from the SRU parking lots to the festival.

Some of the events include:

• 5K Run and a two mile walk

• Farmer's market

• Craftors, vendors and food booths

• Environmental activities for children

• A kids corral including a climbing wall, panning for gold, a basketball challenge, a giant slide, a bouncing area and human bowling

• Chicken barbecue by the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Department

• Bands on Main Street and in the Gazebo in Gateway Park

For information or to volunteer, call committee member Tom McPherson at 724-290-2763 or send e-mail to tmcpsru@hotmail.com. Businesses can give donations for a raffle that will benefit next year's event.