Wasco recognizes Road Festival Committee for ‘All Roads Lead Home’ festival

Wasco City officials presented a recognition to the Road Festival Committee for organizing the community’s recent festival under the theme “All Roads Lead Home,” praising volunteers, sponsors and vendors for a large turnout and restored traditional scheduling.

Mayor Pro Tem Salvania introduced committee members at the podium and read names of those present, including Ann Davidson Wilburn (president), Sharon Sharp (finance chair), Krishna Norid (treasurer), Angie Cortez (volunteer chair), Chrissy Johnson (parade chair), Stephanie Mexico (vendor chair), Steven Nourid (logistics chair), Samantha Jackson (board director) and Caesar Viola (board director). City leaders thanked the committee for bringing back the Rose/road parade to its traditional weekend before Labor Day and for coordinating a weekend of events that drew substantial attendance.

Committee members noted fundraising and sponsorship from local businesses helped pay for the festival. A committee speaker said the Orange Heart Foundation, a local nonprofit, helped the festival formalize as a 501(c)(3), enabling the committee to accept tax‑exempt donations and pursue sponsorships.

Council members and attendees described the festival as growing stronger year to year. One council member said the parade, car show and community dinner showcased town traditions and civic pride; another recalled the festival’s revival after the COVID hiatus and the quick, volunteer-driven effort that rekindled community events.

The city presented the recognition plaque noting the committee’s role in producing the festival and thanked volunteers and sponsors for their work. Committee leaders said they look forward to continuing the event and exploring additional program elements such as awards ceremonies in future years.

The recognition was recorded on the meeting agenda as Item 6; no formal council action was required for the ceremonial presentation.