Sweet Home Economic Development Group President Jean McKinney hopes to have a new Oregon Jamboree event manager working by the beginning of December.
Peter LaPonte resigned the position in September. He continued to work for the Jamboree until Oct. 13, when he went to work managing the da Vinci Days festival held annually in July in Corvallis.
SHEDG has several quality applicants, McKinney said. Six have experience, but the SHEDG board has not yet checked to see if those candidates would be willing to move or take the job at the salary SHEDG offers. Three other applicants do not have much experience but look like they could do a good job.
McKinney was hoping to have interviews set up on Monday.
SHEDG operates the Oregon Jamboree, an annual three-day country music and camping festival held annually in August. The event has featured artists such as Reba, Toby Keith, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney and Wynonna.
“Even as we speak, things are happening,” McKinney said. The management team is keeping the event on track for next year. Postcards for the annual December meeting are being prepared, and the event’s talent buyer has ordered a full lineup.
The lineup has not been signed yet, McKinney said, but when it is the Jamboree will announce the 2001 performers, which she hopes will be in December prior to Christmas.
LaPonte has agreed to help with orientation of the new event manager, McKinney said.