The International Festival and Events Association and Zambelli Fireworks Internationale have named Becky Browder from the Riverbend Festival the recipient of the 2017 IFEA/Zambelli Fireworks Volunteer of the Year Award.
Browder, who has worked with Hamilton County government for most of her career, has volunteered with the Riverbend Festival since 1983. She has served on the board of directors and devoted countless hours assisting the festival's full-time staff, according to a news release.
Browder has been vice president and chairwoman for the Festival Visitor Enhancement Committee. She has been a member of the Executive Committee and chairwoman of the VIP Hospitality Committee and served in other positions during her tenure with the festival. As this year's winner, Browder will be the guest of the IFEA and Zambelli Fireworks at the IFEA's 62nd annual Convention, Expo & Retreat Sept. 14-16 in Tucson, Ariz. She will be recognized and presented with her award during the IFEA Awards Luncheon on Sept. 14.
The late George Zambelli, of Zambelli Fireworks and sponsor of the award since its inception in 2001, said of volunteers, "Imagine a world without the great blessing of volunteers; it would be a far different place. God bless them all."