The Sweet Home Economic Development Group, producers of the Oregon Jamboree, last week reported net proceeds of $200,000 for the 2009 festival.
“SHEDG recognizes the real credit goes to the hundreds of outstanding volunteers, without whom this level of success would not be possible,” said Kevin Strong, president of the SHEDG Board of Directors. “It is because of those dedicated individuals that the Jamboree continues to produce the most popular country music and camping festival in the northwest.”
In 2008, the Jamboree netted $305,000, down from $350,000 in 2007.
“We had a good year,” said Event Manager Peter LaPonte. “It was a tough year for expenses. Our talent (costs) went up dramatically last year.”
Oregon Jamboree proceeds continue to fund the majority of SHEDG ventures which include the hiring of an economic development director, grants and donations to local projects, marketing Sweet Home and partial funding of Sweet Home Active Revitalization Effort (SHARE) a subcommittee of SHEDG.
The SHARE program continues to make positive strides in downtown revitalization through the efforts of year round volunteers investing time each month in the following committees: Steering, Financial, Planning, Programming and Marketing, said Brian Hoffman, economic development director.
“The 2010 approved SHEDG budget is a direct result of answering the community’s desire to focus on invigorating the economic advancement of Sweet Home,” Hoffman said.
Throughout 2009 those additional efforts have included contributions to a contingency fund, ensuring the future viability of the Oregon Jamboree, development of a conceptual design for the Main Street property purchased in 2008 and the search for an economic development director.
Looking ahead to 2010, SHEDG goals include producing the Oregon Jamboree, Arts and Crafts Festival and Sweet Home Rodeo; a donation to the Sweet Home Community Foundation; $60,000 to support SHARE activities, including $20,000 in downtown revitalization efforts through business grants; and maintaining a full-time economic development director cooperatively funded by SHEDG and the city of Sweet Home.
Since 2001, SHEDG has given $360,000 back to Sweet Home through many projects, including more than $121,000 donated to the Sweet Home Community Foundation charitable grants, $100,000 to the school district for tennis court renovation and more than $138,000 in downtown revitalization efforts.
In addition, affiliate organizations have earned more than $350,000 in revenue generated by their activities at the Oregon Jamboree, according to SHEDG records. The total is over $710,000 flowing directly into the community.
“The Sweet Home Economic Development Group would like to voice appreciation for the unsurpassed support of the committed SHARE and Jamboree volunteers, Sweet Home School District, the City of Sweet Home, Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District, local businesses, sponsors, and Jamboree patrons,” Strong said.
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The Oregon Jamboree lineup has been finalized with the addition of five acts to the schedule, including three acts for July 30 and two for July 31.
The Chad Williams Band will open the Jamboree at 3 p.m. on July 30. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jamie Buckley will follow, and The Band Perry will appear at 7 p.m. before headliner Keith Urban.
Julianne Hough will perform just before Saturday headliner Blake Shelton. Opening the day will be Travis LeDoyt.
Also performing on Saturday of the event will be the Bellamy Brothers and Neal McCoy. Performing on Sunday are Marty Stuart, The Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt and Miranda Lambert.
For a full schedule and other information visit the Oregon Jamboree on the Web at oregonjamboree.com.