The holiday season is a time for giving. It's also a time when finding a bargain warms the heart. 

What better way to combine doing unto others with the art of the deal than by landing a plum volunteer gig with good perks?

Yes, I'm talking about volunteering at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Sept. 25-Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The sought-after competition-volunteer slots may be filled, but WEG organizers still need general volunteers, according to Carolyn Greene, WEG volunteer-recruitment and event coordinator.

The great thing about these positions is that no special knowledge or skills are needed. Jobs vary from taking tickets and helping to seat spectators to assisting the WEG's media and marketing departments. Parking assistance, visitor information, or working on small response teams at the various venues -- all will be volunteer positions.

"General volunteers must have a positive demeanor, good communication skills, and be willing to work a minimum of six six-hour shifts," Greene says.

In return, this army of workers (an estimated 6,000-10,000 are needed, says Greene) will receive several perks: general-access credentials for all sixteen days of competition, a uniform, a meal during each shift, and free parking. Note that general access, while it includes admission to the trade show, the WEG's entertainment and educational offerings, and the Kentucky Horse Park's exhibit barns, does not include competition tickets.

That last bit might be a turn-off for some diehard sports fans. But if your equestrian passion lies outside the WEG's eight equestrian disciplines; or if you'd rather stroll, shop, and learn than be stuck in a grandstand, a position as a WEG general volunteer may be just the way for you to enjoy the ambiance of the world's most prestigious equestrian championships without the price of admission.

To register to volunteer, visit www.alltechfeigames.com and click on "Volunteer."

See you at the WEG!