Estacada Parks commission sets Arts in the Park for May 10, weighs Founders’ Day options

The Estacada Parks & Recreation Commission agreed during its Jan. 22 meeting to schedule Arts in the Park for Saturday, May 10, with the event time tentatively set for 2–4 p.m. to align with historically better afternoon weather and to avoid conflicts with Mother’s Day and school breaks.

Commissioners noted uncertainty about whether Rob Gaskell will continue arranging musicians for summer concerts. If he declines, Mike Anderly of the Arts Commission was mentioned as a likely contact to provide audio and programming support. Commissioners emphasized the need to confirm musician bookings quickly to ensure a full summer schedule.

Founders’ Day, a separate annual observance, was returned to the commission after a planned subcommittee dissolved. Commissioners debated the scale of the celebration—whether to stage a full centralized event or to run a lower-key, ambient recognition across the city (window displays, historic photo exhibits and small informational booths). Several commissioners said the calendar and available volunteer capacity make a large standalone event difficult on short notice. The commission agreed to consult Jerry about expectations and revisit the item in February.

Logistics for Arts in the Park were also discussed: vendors and kid-market participants historically set up in shaded areas and on paved surfaces; commissioners recommended blocking off a portion of the community room and adjacent parking (the commission has 60-day priority for city-sponsored events when needed). Staff agreed to start outreach to artists and youth vendors about three months in advance and public advertising about six weeks before the event.

The commission’s scheduling decisions will guide promotion and vendor outreach in the coming weeks.