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SHEDG, Jamboree provide more than $255,000 in 2011

The Sweet Home Economic Development Group announced Monday that the 2011 Oregon Jamboree provided more than $255,000 in community contributions and payments.

SHEDG declined to report a net profit or loss.

“What we want to focus on is the Jamboree ‘s impact in the community given the competitive environment for music festivals in the area,” said SHEDG President Kevin Strong.

During 2011, SHEDG provided $77,529 to help fund the Sweet Home Economic Development Office, which assists local businesses as they grow and helps make Sweet Home a more inviting place for business, Strong said.

It paid $44,732 to School District 55 for field rental and shuttle bus services during the Jamboree.

Local community service organizations and school parent-teacher clubs raised $38,181 working as vendors.

SHEDG provided $27,587 to the Sweet Home Active Revitalization Effort to help support the downtown building façade improvements, community events and mural refurbishment.

High school athletic teams, music programs and clubs raised $23,023 from the sale of soft drinks, water, showers, parking and ice as well as bottle recycling during the Jamboree.

SHEDG paid $19,288 to the city of Sweet Home for police services and the use of city property and $6,338 to the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance for on-site paramedics.

Local churches raised some $6,500 for parking and camping.

Through the Sweet Home Community Foundation, SHEDG contributed $12,000 to nonprofit programs, such as Meals on Wheels, Sweet Home Emergency Ministries and the Boys and Girls Club of Sweet Home.

The Oregon Jamboree has been a huge community success story, Strong said.

“Twenty years ago, Sweet Home residents stepped up to the plate when the spotted owl and other environmental concerns were shutting down local mills,” Strong said. “Rather than give up, they had a vision for a country music, camping and fund-raising event to help diversify the economy.

“Thanks to their work along with phenomenal volunteer and fan support, the Jamboree has become a homerun event for our community.”

In recent years, the Jamboree has faced new competitive challenges, Strong said. “We know that people have a growing number of entertainment options available each summer.

“We greatly appreciate fans choosing to attend the Jamboree since the event is our nonprofit organization’s only fundraiser.

“At the same time, we realize most fans attend the Jamboree because they want to enjoy sensational entertainment in a beautiful park-like setting.”

Due to the increasingly competitive environment, Oregon Jamboree Festival Director Erin Regrutto said the Jamboree is spending more on promotions and talent to maintain the high-quality festival that Jamboree fans have come to expect over the past 20 years.

The downside of having to spend more on talent and promotion, she said, is that cash contributions to the community through the Sweet Home Community Foundation will likely be less than in past years.

“We know how important the Jamboree is to Sweet Home and all of Linn County, so we are committed to producing a strong community event that provides a positive impact throughout the area,” Regrutto said.

The 2012 lineup will be one of the best ever, Regrutto said. “Guest response has been outstanding. With talent including Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Chris Young, Neal McCoy, the Charlie Daniels Band, Eli Young Band, the Kentucky Headhunters and Steve Holy already announced and additional great performers to be named, the 20th anniversary 2012 Oregon Jamboree will be one that you will not want to miss.”

The Jamboree is an annual three-day country music and camping festival held on the south lawn at Sweet Home High School to raise funds for economic development projects in Sweet Home.

The 2012 Jamboree is scheduled for Aug. 3-5. For more information or tickets, call 367-8800 or visit oregonjamboree.com.

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