Oregon City residents gathered for a government meeting where representatives from the Oregon City Heritage Coordinating Committee (OCHCC) reported on the economic and visual impact of their participation in the 2024 Rose Festival Parade. The float, themed \"Dream Forward,\" was a collaborative effort involving local tribal groups, citizen volunteers, and the Oregon City High School Junior ROTC program, showcasing a strong community spirit.

OCHCC volunteers dedicated over 102 hours to the float's creation, translating to a volunteer value of approximately $3,416 based on the IRS rate. Preliminary data suggests that parade attendance nearly doubled compared to 2022, highlighting the event's significance as one of the largest live attendance gatherings in the state.

In addition to the float, OCHCC organized a familiarization tour for tourism industry professionals, themed \"Oregon City Dreams.\" This tour included visits to local museums and attractions, with participants receiving promotional materials from local businesses. The tour involved over 30 volunteer hours, valued at around $10,470, plus transportation costs.

The committee expressed eagerness to engage with the upcoming Destination Management Organization (DMO) to further promote Oregon City and enhance its economic development through tourism. The meeting underscored the importance of community involvement in local events and the potential for increased tourism in the area.