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Parks & Rec unveils 2026 events calendar: Easter hunt, July festival and expanded youth programs
Summary
Staff presented the 2026 events calendar, highlighting an April 4 Easter egg hunt, July parade and evening festival with fireworks, Artesian Brewfest in August, Falls Fest in September and expanded youth and volunteer programs; commissioners asked staff to publish a single shareable calendar file for residents.
Marissa Warner, the department’s marketing specialist, ran commissioners through the 2026 events calendar and programming, calling out major dates and partnerships for the spring and summer season.
Key events listed included an Easter egg hunt scheduled for April 4 at Palmer High School (starts at 11 a.m.), the annual Christmas tree lighting and school performances in December, a July parade and evening festival with fireworks around 10:10–10:15 p.m., and the Artesian Brewfest on the third Saturday in August. Staff also described growing mid‑size events such as Dog Days (second Saturday in June), an expanding adult volleyball tournament expected to reach about 60–70 teams with a Pacific Northwest partner, and Screen on the Green after upgrades to projection equipment.
The calendar includes volunteer and service events (a drop‑off that last year collected over five tons of shredded paper and prescription collection) and Earth Day activities on April 18 in partnership with the Park Foundation and the Lions Club. Staff asked commissioners to attend events where possible as a public presence and recognition for volunteers.
Commissioners asked whether parks could publish a single, subscribe‑able calendar (ICS) so residents could add all events to personal calendars. Staff agreed to pursue a single-published calendar file and to make event listings available on the city website.
Why it matters: the calendar organizes priorities for community engagement and identifies programming that helps the department apply for sponsorships and plan staffing. Staff said the department relies on volunteers and partners (TwinStar, Redwood Casino, schools, nonprofit partners) for many events.
Next steps: staff will attempt to publish a unified calendar (ICS file) and return with details on community center meeting availability and rental policies for the new lodge.
