Riverfest Core Group

February 27, 2008 Meeting Summary

submitted by Rick Bastasch (with new/undone tasks highlighted after distribution)

Rick Bastasch opened the meeting with a slideshow recapping the concept and purpose of Riverfest.

Jeff Henderson, Chair of the Helm committee steering Riverfest’s organization, introduced Jim Miller as the event coordinator.

The group then walked through Riverfest with an eye toward identifying which events are critical to Riverfest (“keystone events”) and others that are desirable—as well as lining out remaining tasks.

Keystone Event Identification

Events the group felt were critical included (with status/tasks/comments noted):

•  The Portland Triathlon (Aug. 31): On-track.

•  Dragonboat Races (Sept. 6-7): On-track.

•  Portland Paddle (Sept. 6): On-track.

•  Riverfest opening ceremony (Aug. 31): Not yet designed or assigned.

•  Riverfest Boat Parade (Aug. 31): To be organized with help of River Transportation subcommittee which will meet in March. Need to ID event time ASAP to obtain necessary Coast Guard permits.

•  SOLV Youth in Service Day: Amy has been working with SOLV, which is committed, but more details are being worked out.

•  “South Waterfront Day” (Sept. 6): Leslie and Jeremy are blocking out Saturday, September 6 as South Waterfront Day, which will include a sailing regatta, an urban adventure race, and artist-in-residence evening activities (Sept. 5, 6, 7). Other activities, such as movies or theater are under consideration.

•  BYOB paddles and tours (through the week): On-track.

Jeff and Jim noted that in a previous discussion, they had identified a similar suite of events.

Additional Events Discussion

The group had a spirited discussion of additional events that are highly desirable and under active development.

Jessika and Susan from the Oregon Symphony were kind enough to attend the meeting to hear about Riverfest and explore possible partnerships involving the Symphony’s annual season opener to be held in Waterfront Park on August 28 (rain day would be the 29^th). Conversations will continue.

Sharon announced she would lead some of her acclaimed bridge tours on Saturday the 6^th. She’ll work with Rick to flesh-out the details. Sharon also shared that a 2009 Portland Bridge calendar would soon be coming out and has space available for organizational profiles ($2500/ea.). She also told the group about plans for celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the Hawthorne Bridge in 2009. Sharon also suggested that Multnomah County be contacted to become aware of Riverfest (either Mike Pullen, public involvement; or Commissioner Rojo DeSteffey.)

Jeff indicated his talks with the City of Portland regarding extending a planned Triathlon closure of Naito Parkway to allow a short period for pedestrian and bike enjoyment of this riverside boulevard weren’t panning out. Rick offered to work with Jeff on alternatives.

Sara reported that she had met with Stephanie from Shift to explore a People Parade that would travel a waterfront route, feature a river creature home-made costume theme, have multiple entry points, and include non-motorized floats. They intend to talk to Scrap about partnering, as well as work with the Triathlon about possible linkage.

Ken will continue to be in contact with the Urban Adventure Race organizers who are committed to a Burnside Bridge to Oaks Bottom route, Sept. 6-7.

Chris will re-approach the Pints to Pasta run organizers (a 10K run along the river that ends at the Old Spaghetti Factory) about involvement with Riverfest.

Amy and Karen reported that their education subcommittee agreed Riverfest needs to develop a clear, simple message that every participant can walk away with. There is an opportunity to pull from the work of many involved in Portland environmental education (e.g., Parks and Environmental Services). However, the committee recommends against trying to schedule student field trips, as it’s the first week of school which would pose real difficulties for teachers and students. There may be a potential for involving specific schools where there are pre-existing relationships (e.g., Sunnyside Environmental). Amy and Karen also noted the educational value of BYOB (bring your own boat) paddle trips—and how relatively easy they would be to organize, given the experience and passion of local sponsors. They suggested that paddles could take place during weekday evenings or at other times needed to “plug scheduling holes.”

Amy has been in contact with OMSI about Riverfest. There may be an OmniMax film on the Colorado River showing that week and OMSI might be receptive to offering a Riverfest-related discount. In previous Core meetings, it was suggested OMSI might also be able to offer a mid-week free day.

Brian mentioned that Portland Parks and Recreation was exploring hosting a Movies in the Park series in the new neighborhood park location in South Waterfront, which may offer another point of collaboration. Permits may be needed.

Todd suggested that an informal barbecue might be a good evening Riverfest activity either at South Waterfront or other location.

It was also announced that this year is the 100^th anniversary of the Portland Yacht Club which Riverfest (and the boat parade) could help celebrate.

Amy noted that the Lower Columbia River Estuary Program has offered to provide its big canoes on a day to-be-specified.

Wisteria suggested that we re-approach the Muddy Boots Organic Festival (~ Sept. 6-7). This year the festival’s theme is community sustainability and organizers might be interested in Riverfest linkages—for example, offering Dragonboat participants discounted admission.

Jeff mentioned the Triathlon was considering adding a $10K swim race on August 30^th as a warm-up to his event and as an additional Riverfest draw. He also reported that, based on on-going conversations, the Port of Portland continues to have a high degree of interest in Riverfest; and that the United Cerebral Palsy Association may hold a riverside bike event in association with Riverfest.

Other suggestions from the group included:

-  increase communication with literary and arts interests (e.g., Lawson Inada, Oregon poet laureate; Friends of William Stafford; connections with the Stafford Stones in George Rogers Park)

-  try to involve the Willamette Shore Trolley

-  increase contact with TravelPortland (Sharon will contact Deborah Wakefield)

-  increase involvement with under-represented communities, especially Native Americans.

Additional Administrative Tasks

Rick noted a number of key tasks that remain to be performed that will be critical to Riverfest. It’s expected that with the arrival of the event coordinator, these tasks will get underway. They include:

-  community fair design and coordination

-  community inclusion strategy

-  marketing/publicity strategy

-  fund-raising strategy

-  involving upstream communities

-  securing volunteers (perhaps partner with VolunteerMatch or Hands On Portland)

-  securing necessary permits for newly-created Riverfest events

In addition, the Helm group will discuss how to recognize river-related events that will happen after Riverfest (e.g., Superfund Field Day, Pirate Festival, Locks Fest).

Next Meeting

Wednesday, March 19

3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Leslie and Jeremy have again generously offered to host the meeting at the South Waterfront Discovery Center, 680 SW Bancroft.