Volunteers say Scappoose Outdoor Festival, movie nights draw large crowds and support local charities

Volunteer JJ Durham updated the City Council Aug. 4 on the recent Scappoose Outdoor Fun Festival and the municipal movie-night series, saying the outdoor festival drew broad attendance and the movie nights provide low-cost family activities.

Durham said organizers distributed 300 swag bags at the festival, brought back the community’s sauerkraut sandwich and featured activities including a chainsaw artist, live music and outdoor exhibits. He said Earth Day and the festival generated substantial food donations through a media partnership that helped local families.

"People love movie night," Durham told the council, describing seven movie nights each year where food and concessions are sold at nominal prices (typically $1 per hot dog or burger) with proceeds supporting a community club. Durham said the festival and movie nights also help community organizations increase membership and raise funds through modest concessions sales.

Councilors thanked volunteers and suggested collecting attendance counts to help when applying for grants or to document the event’s reach. Durham said organizers track swag-bag distribution (one per family) and contest entries for give-aways but do not perform systematic headcounts; staff suggested that concession sales could be an indirect attendance metric and that volunteers could perform counts in future years.

Councilor Holmes asked whether the events could be linked more deliberately to trail- and outdoor-recreation opportunities to encourage repeat visits; Durham said he has been working with local businesses and organizations to promote outdoor activities and is open to partnerships. Council invited Durham back in the coming months to discuss next year’s festival plans and collaboration with tribal or regional partners.

No council action was required; the presentation was an informational update from volunteers and staff.