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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (June 5, 2014)
community june5 2014 Preparing for Jamboree By Ernie Smith What does the Vernonia Friend- ship Jamboree and Logging Show mean to you? The people that started the Jam- boree wanted a city-wide celebration where old friends and new could get to- gether each year to reunite for a week- end of fun activities. That tradition has continued now for almost sixty years as our community, friends and neighbors gather to celebrate our heritage and sup- port the community. I can remember when I was a kid in the early 70s; Jamboree was the weekend you waited for all summer. The streets of Vernonia would be packed with people and vendors, all enjoying each other. I can remember that Jam- boree stretched from one end of town to the other with vendors and activities in every nook and cranny. Jamboree went on like this for many years, but time and the economy started affecting it little by little. Now many people complain that Jamboree has become nothing more than one big drinking weekend party that brings nothing but trouble to Vernonia. Over the years every Jamboree committee, which organizes and plans the event each year, (and let me tell you, there is a lot to organize and plan!) has done the best job they can with what they have to work with. There were even a couple of times over the years when Jamboree almost didn’t happen due to a lack of volunteers, but each time a few people have stepped up to make sure this annual tradition happens. Today, as the current Chairman of the Jamboree Committee, I want to let you know what is going on with Jambo- ree and what you can expect to see this year, and in the years to come. First let me tell you what I find most exciting about Jamboree. This year we have a Jamboree Committee that is made up of our future. We have about ten members that are under the age of thirty-five and they have all the energy in the world. Many of them have young families and are the future leaders of our community. This group has been meet- ing all year and have made it a goal of bringing back the past and making Jam- boree weekend more family friendly. Maybe you’ve seen our new logo? It was designed by one of our new committee members, professional graphic designer, Jessie Taylor. We think it looks great and it will be fea- tured on the T-shirts we will be selling this year. This year you can expect to see our regular events - The Parade, Logging Show, Motorcycle Show, Ridge Riders Horse Gaming, Kid’s Fishing Derby, Open Air Market, Library Book Sale, Lawn Mower Races, Golf Tournament, The Black Powder Encampment and of course, the Softball Tournament. This year the Car Show is back, hosted by the West Side Cruisers. We have also added a locally organized Kid’s Zone activity area, a Heritage En- gine Exhibit, and a Children’s Art Show. Music in the Shay returns again this year but we have also added a Main Stage for larger music acts featuring Kenny Lee and the Sundowners, Tevis Hodge and Timberbound. We are still working to book some other family friendly enter- tainment acts; look for a final schedule in the official Jamboree Program avail- able July 4 th . The Committee is also work- ing on several ideas for future Jambo- rees. We hope to reinvent the Jamboree Court. We are still trying to find a carni- val as well. We have been working very hard to bring in more vendors and have talked about a chain saw wood carving contest. Another idea is to include some old-fashioned activities like pie eating, greased pig, greased pole and other con- tests for kids and grown-ups. We are also starting discussions to include the annual Bear Creek Run as part of Jam- boree weekend and may be adding a half marathon as well. The Jamboree Committee has worked very hard to raise money this year so we can have as many activities as possible. We have created an official sponsorship program which will help fund Jamboree activities this year and for many more years to come. A BIG thank you to this year’s Presenting Sponsors, Big Horn Logging and Mike Pihl Log- ging, along with TNW Firearms, The Cedar Side Inn, The Birk, Stub Stewart State Park, and all the other businesses who have stepped up to support this year’s Jamboree so far. With all the hard work that the 3 folks on the Jamboree Committee have been doing, we still have opportunities for individuals and groups to get in- volved. If you have an idea for some- thing you think would be great for Jam- boree or read about something here that sounds like you might want to help with, please contact us and we will work with you to make it happen. Jamboree is a time to visit with old friends and make new ones. We want to provide an environment where people want to come and reunite. For more information about this year’s Vernonia Friendship Jamboree and Log- ging Show go to our webpage at www. VernoniaFriendshipJamboree.com. You can also find us on Facebook. REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 2014 SUMMER READING PROGRAM! Stop by the Vernonia Public Library to fill out a registration form June 17th - 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Program Introduction! Start the summer program oll making your own Einstein Hair and lab coats. Learn about activities occurring during the summer and how to earn some amazing prizes! June 18th Bill Nye The Science Guy DVD 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. June 24th Is It Alive? Living and Nonliving Things 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. You may be surprised to learn what things are and aren't alive. Dirt and seeds are on the agenda.....be ready to have some lun! June 25th Bill Nye The Science Guy DVD 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. * There will be programming lor youth K-6th and lor youth age 1-PreK**. All programs are lree. 700 Weed Avenue, Vernonia ** Parent/guardian/adult caregiver is required to stay with child during program. Absolute Marble & Granite QUALITY FABRICATION & INSTALLATION MARBLE GRANITE TRAVERTINE FREE ESTIMATES Kitchen Countertops Fireplace & Furniture Tubs & Vanities CCB#159794 Phone 503-429-2617 ABSOLUTE@AGALIS.NET www.absolutemarbleinc.com