The Downtown Estacada Commission reviewed event merchandise and identification for volunteers at its Aug. 4 meeting and proposed a multi-event approach to staff shirts and volunteer visibility.

Commissioners reported the current Oktoberfest-shirt inventory and weighed ordering more shirts in varied sizes. One organizer gave current stock counts: “3 small, 3 medium, 19 large, 15 extra large, 9 2 double extra large, and 3 triple extra large.” Commissioners discussed that volunteers tend to need smaller sizes and suggested buying a modest additional run (about 50 shirts) and focusing sizes on large/extra-large demand while keeping some small and medium shirts for volunteers.

To improve on-site identification, the commission proposed producing a separate high-visibility “event staff” shirt or vests for volunteers and alcohol monitors so they are easily recognized. “If you identify yourself as an event person, it'd give a little credence to your authority,” one member said when describing challenges monitoring alcohol at uncorked events.

Options discussed included: printing a single, multi-event design (Estacada logo) for staff shirts; using bright high-visibility colors (yellow or orange); and issuing reusable vests that can be checked out for events. Commissioners suggested ordering both shirts for sale (Oktoberfest merch) and dedicated event-staff apparel for volunteers and monitors.

Ending: Organizers will verify exact inventory and sizing, consider an order of additional shirts timed to Oktoberfest, and plan a short run of event-staff shirts/vests to improve volunteer visibility at future downtown events.