Sean C. Morgan
Sweet Home’s population will explode Thursday as country music fans start arriving for the 21st annual Oregon Jamboree, featuring Toby Keith, Dwight Yoakam and Luke Bryan Friday through Sunday.
“We’ve had a really great reaction to our lineup,” said Festival Director Erin Regrutto.
“Everyone’s excited about Toby Keith. Luke Bryan, he’s who everyone wants to see. When people call, they’re asking what day is Luke Bryan. And Dwight Yoakam, what a legend. People are coming from all over the place to see Dwight Yoakam.
“I think we’re going to have a very diverse, exciting show all three days.”
Regrutto is optimistic about the show this year.
“We are doing very well,” she said. “Attendance will be up.”
The weather is looking great, projected to stay in the 80s the whole weekend, she said.
“Ticket sales are ahead. We’re excited to get everybody here. I’m very happy with the way things are going right now. Everything is on track.”
In addition to the headliners, the Jamboree will feature the return of a fan favorite, Neal McCoy. This will be his seventh appearance at the Jamboree since 2004, three out of the four years Regrutto has been here.
Last year, he was telling Jamboree staff about the other festivals he attends regularly. One community calls him the “mayor” and has presented him with a key to the city.
He’s popular everywhere because he’s personable, and “you feel like you’ve known him for years,” Regrutto said. “Not only that – he’s a great entertainer. We’re happy to have him back.”
The Jamboree is returning the features added last year, including the Crown Royal Deck, which overlooks the stage. The only way onto that platform is to win tickets.
Anyone who wants to watch a show from the deck should be listening to KRKT, Regrutto said.
The sponsor deck made a huge difference in sponsor hospitality last year, she said. That deck will return along with a few small changes to improve the sponsor experience.
Beer Garden One, the beer garden closest to the stage, is getting a remodel this year, increasing the capacity and helping get people into the beer garden faster, Regrutto said.
The Spirit Mountain Casino Stage will have two more shows this year. Among them are local artists Trevor Tagle, the winner of the Texaco Country Showdown Finals at Linn County Fair on July 20, and Tristan Nichols, a previous Showdown winner.
The Promo Booth will operate throughout the event, Regrutto said. Concertgoers should drop by and keep an eye on the Jamboree’s Facebook page for chances to win meet and greets, prize packages, tickets.
Thursday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., is the Jamboree kickoff party with KRKT in the Safeway parking lot. Live music will be provided by Nichols, Tagle and the J Swift Band.
The Safeway Foundation will present a $5,000 check to the Sweet Home Community Foundation during the party, Regrutto said. “We’re very, very proud to be able to facilitate that relationship.”
The party will include a variety of prizes.
The Rio Theater is hosting a movie night with “Wolverine” 30 minutes after the kickoff party, probably about 8:30 p.m., said owner Susan Kinney. Tickets are $10 and will include admission, small popcorn, and soda. Beer, wine and pizza will be available for purchase.
Proceeds will help pay for the digital projector upgrade the Rio needs to continue operating.
The show is limited to 21 and older.
The Jamboree window contest is in full swing, Regrutto said. Seventeen businesses are participating. She urges folks to vote for the People’s Choice award at the Arts and Crafts Show in front of the high school, 1641 Long St. Ballots are available at the businesses. Voters can win meet and greets and tickets to the 2014 Oregon Jamboree.
During the event, a Neal McCoy reception, “Neal McCoy’s Backstage Barbecue,” is sold out. Proceeds go to the Sweet Home Community Foundation, which funds charitable projects in the Sweet Home community.
The event is an opportunity for the Jamboree to support the Foundation and its mission, Regrutto said. “I think we have been able to add a lot of things that we are able to give back to the community regardless of what the bottom line is for the organization, SHEDG (Sweet Home Economic Development Group).”
SHEDG owns and operates the Jamboree as a mechanism to raise funds for local economic development efforts.
None of it would be possible without the 900 volunteers, 44 supervisors and six management team members, Regrutto said. “Without all of these people, the volunteers, their time, there’s no way we could do it.”
For more information about the Jamboree or SHEDG, contact the Jamboree office at (541) 367-8800.