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Philomath committee weighs Hispanic/Latinx September event amid safety concerns and limited time
Summary
Philomath’s Inclusivity Committee discussed options for a September Hispanic/Latinx event — from a large Frolic Grounds festival to smaller panels or farmers market appearances — while members raised safety concerns about immigration enforcement and agreed to gather vendor and budget information before deciding.
Philomath’s Inclusivity Committee spent much of its May meeting weighing whether to host a Hispanic/Latinx community event in September and, if so, what form it should take.
Committee members outlined three main options: a large festival at the Frolic Grounds with live music and vendor booths; a smaller community event at the museum or city hall that could include a proclamation reading and panel discussion; or a farmers market appearance with music and brief programming. The group discussed logistics including food vendors, performer availability and whether the city would have the budget to pay performers or vendors.
Several members flagged safety concerns tied to immigration enforcement, saying that some residents might avoid a visibly organized public event. One committee participant warned that outreach should not put people at risk, and suggested smaller, lower-profile "baby-step" events such as a panel or a farmers market appearance to encourage participation while limiting potential exposure. Others argued organizers should not abandon outreach for fear of retaliation and recommended proactive safety planning and coordination with staff and public-safety partners.
The committee agreed on a fact-finding approach. Members were asked to reach out informally to potential performers and vendors to check availability, and staff (Crystal and Christopher were named during discussion) were asked to report back on budget, permitting and feasibility. The chair said the committee would revisit the issue at its June meeting, by which time members expect to have availability answers and staff guidance.
Next steps include: committee members making outreach calls to potential vendors and performers; staff reporting back about whether city facilities or the farmers market are available and whether the city can pay performers; and deciding whether to stage a single event or split activities across multiple, smaller occasions. The committee also discussed timing to align with National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) and emphasized community input on format and safety measures.
The committee did not take a formal vote; members set follow-up and committed to returning with recommendations next month.
