Riverfest: Bill’s Questions

 

1. What are the specific goals and themes for this event?

Riverfest’s theme is “Re-Connecting People to This Treasure Called the Willamette”

Goals and Objectives:

•  Make the Willamette a focus of fun and learning for all ages.

o  Provide a variety of free hands on, experiential, and interactive river opportunities. (get people on the water!)

o  Create an education curriculum around the river’s history, economy, and ecology that is engaging for youth, adults, and families.

•  Actively improve river ecosystems and watershed health through increased citizen engagement.

o  Conduct targeted outreach to encourage participants from a diversity of communities.

o  Relay a clear and positive message about the river’s importance.

•  Promote increased economic activity on the Riverfront.

o  Involve and highlight river dependent businesses from local paddling shops to the Port of Portland.

o  Expand participant understanding the of working aspects of the River.

•  Establish Riverfest as a signature Portland event.

o  Build long term event support by involving all river related agencies, organizations, businesses, and community groups.

o  Design a memorable brand and event that promotes long term growth.

 

2. How many people do you expect to attend this event? (include target audiences and outreach strategy)

Riverfest is a new concept that unifies pre-existing events under a new river umbrella and also introduces new events. Information below is taken from recent attendance figures or is projected for new events.

Riverfest Event

(* denotes new event)

Estimated attendance

Target audiences & outreach

Oregon Symphony free watershed concert

 

General public with a musical bent;

Oregon Trout Triathlon

300 participants; 500 spectators

 

Riverfest Grand Opening*

1,000

 

Riverfest Community Fair

2,500

 

Willamette Boat Parade*

80-100 participants; 1,000 spectators

 

River Tours*

500

 

Portland Adventure Race*

  

Bridge Tours

100

 

Dragonboat Races

40 teams; 1,000 spectators

 
   
   

 

3. How will diverse populations representative of the community be included?

Riverfest organizers will actively seek out participation by a full cross-section of the Portland community, with a targeted focus on under-represented communities. Strategies include:

Consulting with the following to design an event of meaning to the community:

•  Native American interests through the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation and the Native American Youth Association;

•  the Urban League;

•  the City of Portland minority-owned business program

Identifying specific representatives from under-represented communities to be Riverfest ambassadors;

Involving minority-owned businesses in serving event needs (e.g., food vending, music);

Promoting Riverfest at community centers such as restaurants and churches;

 

 

4. How will you measure success? (measurable outcomes & evaluation process)

 

5. What are the plans to sustain this event in future years?

 

6. What are the challenges and risks for this event and what are the contingency plans?

Willamette yuck factor

limited funding

rain

muddled message