Tour Guide Profile: Chris Peterson
If you are familiar with Folklorama tours or are a frequent Folklorama visitor, you will have either heard of or seen “The Belt Guy”. Volunteer Tour Guide Chris Peterson is kind of a legend wearing his replica wrestling belts on every tour. He should have his own theme music when he walks into the building.
Peterson began volunteering with Folklorama at eight years old with the Hungary Pannonia Pavilion as a dancer with the Kapisztran Hungarian Folk Ensemble.
“I danced for 20-plus years until I tore a tendon in my foot, forcing me to retire from dancing”, states Peterson. “But my love for Folklorama kept me involved in all aspects of volunteering for the Pavilion. From security to clearing tables, emptying garbage, stage set up and tear down, running food and doing dishes, no job was turned down to ensure that the Pavilion was successful.”
During this time, Peterson’s wife was chosen to be the Pavilion Coordinator. She was invited to take a bus tour and brought Peterson with her. He enjoyed it so much that he decided to apply to be a volunteer Tour Guide.
“One of my favourite memories of tour guiding was with a 50 passenger seniors group”, states Peterson. “One gentleman stood out to me. His name was Jim. He was seated beside me at the front of the bus and asked me if there would be any young ladies at the Pavilions we were going to. Laughing, I asked him how old he was. He replied 93 years young. I joked with him that I could be his wingman if needed. We had a wonderful evening out with only one hiccup that night. We loaded the bus. I did my count, and we were missing one person, Jim. I went back in, checked everywhere, and had no luck. I headed back to the hallway area, and who do I see sitting on his walker with four young ladies around him laughing and carrying on…Jim! That was a few years ago, but I’ll never forget Jim.”
It’s memories like this that keep Peterson coming back year after year. 
“I just want to tell everyone reading this to tell your friends, co-workers, and family to take a bus tour if you haven’t experienced Folklorama the VIP way. If you have, I can’t wait to see you all again. The Folklorama family is wonderful, and welcoming. I will be a tour guide for as long as they will let me.”
Chris, thank you for not only your years of volunteering and your passion for Folklorama but, most importantly, your humour, light, and love of your Tour Guide job.
If you’re interested in volunteering for Folklorama, complete an application today. Click here to read more.