Dakota County Parks

General Description

Help us celebrate Trails by Lantern Light at beautiful Thompson County Park! We are looking for responsible individuals who can master and maintain the art of fire, bonfires to be exact. Help provide a friendly face and a warm place to rest during the event, it is always greatly appreciated! 

For Thompson County Park, lanterns will be lit along a paved route through the park and greenway starting November 20 through November 29, 2026. Look for the "Lanterns this way" signs. This is a paved and plowed trail, but some areas could be slippery. Conditions may vary — traction on shoes recommended. Bonfire from 5-8 p.m.

For more event information, visit the county's event page through the following link - https://dakotacountymn.gov/parks/programs-events/special-events/trails-by-lantern-light#accordion-a014282bf3-item-777c195e82

Bonfire Location

Thompson County Park Lawn

360 Butler Ave. E

West St. Paul, MN 55118

(Map and driving directions)

Dates/Times

November 20 - November 29, 2026

5 - 8 p.m.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Help answer questions during the event. 
• Be a friendly and welcoming face to our event goers.
• Start and safely tend your bonfire during the event. Bonfires will be assigned two people per fire. If you wish to be paired up a certain person, please notify the County Volunteer Coordinator by email when signing up.
• This opportunity will be outside for the duration of the event, so dress accordingly.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old or older.
• Anyone under 18 years of age requires adult supervision.
• Must be able to display responsibility and sensibility around open fire pits.
• Must enjoy talking to and being around people.
• Able to lift and haul bundles of firewood (10 lbs.) and to be able to walk 1-2 miles during the event.

Minimum Time Commitment

3 - 3.5 hours

Activity Level

Active - Involves physical exertion for an extended period of time; project may involve rough, uneven or steep terrain. Activities will require longer periods of standing and walking with limited access to sitting. Activities will mostly occur in an outdoor setting with uncontrollable elements present.

Contact Information

Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator

Dakota County Communications

1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033

Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us