Estacada Arts Commission approves signs, a vendor guarantee and small promotion budget for Arts at the Creek

The Estacada Arts Commission voted to buy yard signs, preapprove funds for three larger signs, conditionally offer a vendor guarantee of $500 and allocate a small promotion budget to support this year’s Arts at the Creek event.

The actions followed updates from commission members managing logistics and vendor recruitment and a discussion about whether the commission, or the city, could underwrite a shortfall for a new food vendor.

Commissioners said the commission has received dozens of vendor applications and is actively finalizing placements. The group approved buying 15–20 double-sided yard signs (quoted at $19 each) to promote the event and preapproved up to $300 to buy three larger single-sided signs for visible locations. Commissioners also voted to offer a $500 guarantee to a new vendor (18 84 Wood Fired Pizza), pending confirmation from city staff that such a guarantee is permissible. Finally, the commission approved spending $20–$50 to boost the event on Facebook.

Commission members said they have about 35 vendor applications so far, with roughly 15 vendors paid and a number of student and community-organization participants. Jesse (commission member) reported tracking vendor applications and that many vendors opt into the event raffle. The commission discussed that vendors commonly drop out or fail to pay between application and event day and that final counts typically stabilize in mid-June.

On signage, commissioners agreed to order 15–20 yard signs (18-by-24, double-sided) at roughly $19 each (an estimated total around $380). They also discussed larger single-sided corrugated-plastic signs to place at high-visibility locations (e.g., Wade Creek, park-and-ride, school fences) and preapproved up to $300 to buy three such signs so printing could proceed before the next meeting.

On food vendors, commissioners discussed a proposal from 18 84 Wood Fired Pizza that normally requires a $1,000 day guarantee; the vendor offered to lower the guarantee to $500. The commission voted to offer a $500 guarantee to that vendor subject to city approval and appropriate billing/contracting through city staff. Commissioners emphasized they must treat similar vendors consistently and that any guarantee would be handled through the city and contingent on available funds.

The commission also approved a small paid social-media promotion, authorizing $20–$50 to boost the event listing on Facebook to increase public awareness.

Other logistics discussed included sandwich boards, poster redistribution at the farmer’s market, and potential high-visibility placement on private properties with owner permission. Members agreed to coordinate final placement with city public works and the property owners listed during the meeting.

The meeting closed with members agreeing to continue outreach and finalize printing files and placements.