Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Philomath park board finalizes Music in the Park plans, confirms sponsors and operations
Summary
The Philomath Park Advisory Board reviewed the 2026 Music in the Park lineup, confirmed sponsors and vendor plans, discussed volunteer staffing and marketing, and approved the March 3 minutes unanimously.
The Philomath Park Advisory Board on Thursday confirmed the lineup and operational plans for its 2026 Music in the Park series, outlined sponsorship and vendor roles, and discussed steps to make the concerts easier for volunteers and clearer to attendees.
Nicole Hass, speaking for the Philomath Chamber of Commerce, told the board the Chamber could not run every concert but was interested in supporting the final (Sunday) date and wanted clarity on how fundraising buckets are managed. "I'm here with the executive director of the Philomath Chamber of Commerce," Hass said, asking whether each concert designates a different beneficiary or if donations go to a single fund.
A parks staff member answered that the city organizes the series and that donations historically have gone to the performing arts benefit fund to support students. The staff member said Pioneer Connect will again be the series sponsor for 2026 and that a band-level sponsorship tier exists; sponsorships and volunteer signups are now available online. "For now it is the performing arts benefit fund that has, as far as I know, that's always been what donations have been collected for," the staff member said.
The board discussed several operational changes aimed at improving visibility and reducing volunteer burden: setting up a staffed table with a clear sign-in and information materials, using distinct shirts for volunteers, creating quarter-sheet flyers to hand out, better pre-event communications for bands and vendors, and a short intermission spiel to explain the benefit fund and soliciting donations. Staff said the city is acquiring a new roadside reader board and is exploring yard signs and banners to boost awareness.
Food vendors and volunteer partners were also discussed. Medan Pizza (listed in materials) has confirmed, and the Lions Club voted to provide food service at weekday concerts. Staff said they will maintain a short list of backup bands for dates where a scheduled act is unavailable.
On a procedural item the board approved the minutes of its March 3 meeting after noting a minor spelling correction; a motion to approve was made, seconded and passed unanimously.
Staff reported one park project update: new exercise equipment at City Park is being installed but a large trapeze-ring component requires an adapter that must be ordered; staff said a ribbon-cutting will be scheduled once installation is complete.
Staff will circulate volunteer sign-up links, marketing materials and a setup checklist; the board plans a June 2 debrief on the summer series. The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
