LEADERSHIP: how to deal

I really debated whether I should put this here or in General Discussion, but since this is more of a 'what would you do in my situation' question instead of 'how do you deal with any random situation', I decided it'd be more appropriate here.

So:
Once a week a professional orchestra (Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra) performs a concert outside the state capitol in Madison. It's a massive public concert, each week drawing crowds of over 30,000, and I am the one who's in charge of the crew that sets up for the event (approximately 20 people). They're all very hardworking, so they only need a minimal amount of actual direction from me, like being reminded of deadlines that certain things need to be finished and such.

One of the things I'm struggling with, however, is that my girlfriend is part of the crew. As a leader, would you have difficulty completely stepping out of the 'significant other' role for the 12 hours that you work? Is it necessary? Am I obligated to for the sake of the others' comfort? It might be awkward for them knowing that their boss is dating someone they're working with. We don't flaunt our relationship while on the job, certainly, but I imagine it's obvious just by the way we communicate to one another.


Cliffsnotes version:
I lead crew. Girlfriend on crew. How much of the 'signicant other' role would you sacrifice for the 'leader' role?

I would appreciate any insight or perspectives you can offer on this!

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I'm more concerned with how they perceive me as a relative authority figure than how they perceive her as "one of them," but you're right, I never even thought about that.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Summonmaster

As well, complaints of favouritism or preference may arise even though you and her know that's not the case. However hard-working people are, they may just use it as an excuse to not have to work as hard, since the opportunity is present.

Agreed. This is an issue that I'm quite conscious of, and makes me hesitant to interact with her. The work area is a very people-crowded couple of acres, and we always have our own tasks to accomplish, and by the job's nature can go without seeing each other for quite a while, so I thought the situation was rather unique compared to the more common 'I'm dating someone in the office/store/restaurant' issue.
Thank you for your replies.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.