Sean C. Morgan
Ticket sales are running ahead of last year, and the final pieces for the 19th Annual Oregon Jamboree are falling into place, including the early closure of Sankey Park.
The annual list of requests from the Jamboree approved by the Sweet Home City Council on July 12 included a new twist, to close the park on Friday, one week before the event.
Police Chief Bob Burford said Jamboree officials agreed to a closure four days in advance.
With the council’s approval, Sankey Park is closed beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday. It reopens to the public at noon Monday, Aug. 1, to allow the Jamboree to set up fencing, sanitation facilities, vendor booths and equipment.
The Jamboree is planning to use Sankey Park for additional activities for the second time. Among them is a beer garden, a children’s play area and vendors. The biggest change is a second stage, sponsored by Spirit Mountain Casino, in the park, with performances held between concerts on the main stage.
The council also approved the partial closure of 14th and 18th avenues, allowing handicap parking on 18th, beginning at 11 a.m. on July 28. Local residents will receive permits allowing them access. Residents who need more may contact the Jamboree office at 367-8800.
The council approved a waiver of police and Public Works manpower and equipment fees outside of the event, public address permits, permission to use city property for beer gardens and campgrounds, waiver of the $50-per-day event permit fee, assistance from city staff with overall Jamboree goals subject to budget constraints and the use of the Public Works yard for storage of vehicles and equipment.
“The event has substantial impact on several city agencies,” Burford said. “Funds spent in support of this event may impact our ability to provide general services to the city later in the year should an emergency arise. Conversely, the event has a powerful and positive impact on the community as a whole, and the city’s support of the event is warranted.”
The Oregon Jamboree is a three-day country music and camping festival held annually at the end of July and, usually, the beginning of August. The event is owned and operated by the Sweet Home Economic Development Group.
With funds generated by the Oregon Jamboree, SHEDG Has contributed more than $170,000 to the Sweet Home Community Foundation, which has awarded grants to fund projects from playground equipment to Meals on Wheels. Funds also have been used to help refurbish Weddle Bridge, hire an economic development director, renovate downtown buildings, improve the Main Street median strip, install restrooms at Shea Point at Foster Lake, build new tennis courts and build trails at Foster Lake.
After finishing nearly $100,000 in the red last year, which Jamboree officials attributed in part to competition from the recently formed Willamette Country Music Festival down the road in the Brownsville, the Jamboree has worked on new ways to establish its identity among country music fans. Those include a new Website, satellite concerts in Corvallis and at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland earlier this year featuring up-and-coming artists James Otto and Sarah Evans, a lively Facebook presence by its new mascot, Bunny McCoy, and aggressive advertising.
Things are looking up, officials say.
“Advance ticket sales are up over last year, and all of the details are coming together for a phenomenal Jamboree,” said SHEDG President Kevin Strong. “The event is a terrific opportunity for fans to hear some of the biggest names in country music knowing that all profits go back into our community not to some corporation.
“Our volunteers and staff are doing a great job getting everything ready for our fans so they can enjoy an unforgettable weekend. We have an excellent lineup, and there is a lot of excitement about the new second stage in Sankey Park. Fans this year will be able to cross the covered bridge and watch performers on the second stage between acts on the main stage allowing for non-stop entertainment.”
Headlining July 29 is Ronnie Dunn of Brooks and Dunn. He is joined by Jo Dee Messina, Jason Jones and Katie Armiger.
Lady Antebellum headlines on July 30, with Sawyer Brown, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Collin Raye and Troy Olsen.
July 31, Darius Rucker, formerly of Hootie and the Blowfish, headlines. Also performing are Clay Walker, Jerry Jeff Walker and Laura Bell Bundy.
Playing the Spirit Mountain Casino Stage on July 29 are Katie Armiger and Jason Jones.
On July 31, Collin Raye will play the final show of the night on the second stage. Also performing are Troy Olsen, Margaret Durante and Jackson Michelson.
Christian Kane wraps up second stage concerts on July 31. The Adam Craig Band also plays following a performance by the Texaco Country Showdown winner.
“We realize people have many entertainment options available, so we really appreciate our fans choosing to spend a part of their summer here with us in Sweet Home,” Strong said.
For more information about the Jamboree, visit oregonjamboree.com on the web or call the Jamboree office at (541) 367-8800.