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Bohemia Mining Days organizer says festival drew about 25,000 and is expanding into year‑round heritage programs
Summary
Spirit of Bohemia representatives told council the festival drew roughly 25,000 visitors, outlined new year‑round education programs under a "Bohemia Academy" brand and thanked the city for its first financial support this year.
Representatives of Spirit of Bohemia told the Cottage Grove City Council that the town's long‑running Bohemia Mining Days festival drew roughly 25,000 people this year and is evolving into a year‑round organization focused on heritage education.
"Over the past year, we've expanded beyond just a festival," Matthew said, describing programs for elementary and middle‑school students (Future Bohemia City Citizens), high‑school leadership, and senior outreach. He said the group plans guided excursions into the Bohemia mining district and has rebranded education work as the Bohemia Academy. He thanked the council for the city's first direct financial support for the 67‑year festival.
Matthew said the festival hosted about 90 vendors and 16 live music acts this year, and that festival partnerships — including with local businesses such as Cascade Home Center and Kyle Kishan Construction — have supported on‑site work such as facade walls in the Bohemia City display. Councilors responded with public thanks and an award presentation to the council for its support.
Council materials included a one‑week prior distribution of handouts outlining 2026 priorities. No formal council action or funding appropriation was taken at the meeting beyond acknowledgment and thanks for the event.
