Keizer committee outlines All Nations Day and collaborative summer barbecue plans

Members of the Keizer Community Development Committee sketched plans for a proposed All Nations Day and a collaborative summer barbecue, and agreed to prepare a formal proposal for council review early next year.

Committee members suggested combining a multicultural festival (modeled on larger regional events) with an in‑park barbecue that could include food trucks, booths from cultural groups and performances on a small stage. One member noted that a past city celebration had costs that were largely covered by sponsorships and volunteer help and said a similar model could keep direct city costs low. Committee members also discussed partnering with the police department’s outreach barbecue to leverage existing attendance and resources.

Why this matters: committee members said a dedicated multicultural event would help residents who feel under‑represented see themselves reflected in city activities and could increase community engagement. Members estimated that early sponsorship outreach and volunteer recruiting would be critical; one committee member said the committee’s bill to the city for the Fortieth birthday celebration had been under $5,000 because sponsors covered many costs.

What happens next: members agreed to draft a proposal for a council work session in February (after January outreach events) that will include a budget outline, sponsorship plan and proposed date (committee members discussed a late‑summer or early‑fall rollout, and suggested September as a possible window). Staff and members will coordinate to gather vendor, venue and staffing costs for council consideration.