Help Continue an Annual Tradition: Running of the Meatballs Volunteer Coordinator Wanted 

Gammelgården is seeking a volunteer or team of volunteers to oversee the Running of the Meatballs race, starting in 2026. This is a multi-year commitment to ensure the annual fundraiser benefiting the museum can continue in future years.

The proceeds from ticket sales this year and in upcoming years will be used to support the restoration of the Pastor’s House (the two-story home that is original to the site near Olinda Trail since 1868):

– Replace 10 logs on the northwest side of the building and 1 log on the southeast side of the building.

– Fill all holes in the logs.

– Replace the roof and any damaged boards under the existing roof.

– Repair the chimney.

– Repair the foundation.

– Add drain tiling.

– Cover the cistern or install a sump pump in it.

– Remove, reglaze, repaint, and replace all windows.

– Upgrade the electrical system.

– Replace the HVAC system.

– Improve the accessibility of the entrances and throughout the building (entrances and thresholds).

– Create an interpretation plan.

– Install wall coverings.

– Create a miniature 3D model of the building to use on tours.

– Create plaques for each section of the house – one for honoring the pastors and their families who lived in the house from 1868 to 1884 (16 years); and one for honoring the Nelson family (including Annie Nelson) who lived in the home from 1884 until 1972 (88 years).

– Restore and clean the artifacts that were in the building.

– Install the restored and cleaned artifacts.

– Use museum-quality materials to properly store artifacts that are not on display.

– Clean the interior of the house using appropriate historic preservation methods.

Volunteers who are interested in continuing Running of the Meatballs in 2026 and beyond are encouraged to contact Ann at 651-433-5053 or director@gammelgardenmuseum.org. Training will be provided by the current volunteer team before and at Taco Daze this year (Saturday, September 6th).