Utilizing a Community Asset

WAITSBURG – Debra Callahan, a member of the Waitsburg city council and the fairgrounds advisory committee, has been working hard to organize events she hopes will create a stronger sense of community among locals while drawing visitors to the area. At last week's city council meeting Callahan reported on several event reservations for the Waitsburg Fairgrounds, possibilities for a Fourth Friday music festival during the summer months, and Waitsburg's first National Night Out celebration.

Callahan said the goal of the fairgrounds committee is to preserve the fairground's historical significance while returning it to its past glory. Several groups have reserved dates on the fairgrounds 2015 event calendar, and plenty more dates are available, said Callahan.

"We are looking for great family events that not only serve the local community, but that serve as a catalyst to bring in visitors," she said.

In addition to the traditional Lions Club rib and salmon feeds, Celebration Days events and the youth livestock show that take place on the fairgrounds, the committee is planning a haunted hayride, complete with concessions, each weekend in October.

"Some very talented people ran a great haunted house at the grange years ago. It would be great to bring some of that talent in to lead volunteers in organizing this event as well," said Callahan.

Callahan is excited that a regional theatrical group has expressed interest in renting the facilities for a Renaissance Faire and equestrian event in early June. Callahan said the group has previously used Sacajawea State Park for their event, but can no longer do so since the camp portion of the park has been leased out.

The group is especially pleased that the fairgrounds would allow them to include equestrian events such as jousting and chariot rides, which they have not been able to do before. Another bonus is that the group will provide their own insurance coverage.

The Jasper Mountain Opry, a youth bluegrass event, has reserved the space for late June. That event will include youth bluegrass groups from around the state, adult musicians, and guitar and fiddle makers. There is hope that this could become an annual event that could include a chili cook-off. The facility is reserved in August for a large family reunion and Callahan said that she has leads on people interested in putting on a Mountain Man Rendezvous and Dutch Oven Cook-Off in 2016.

Callahan said she has spoken to Waitsburg Hardware Store owner, John Stellwagon, who has agreed to loan the use of the grassy lot adjacent to his building for Fourth Friday music events in the summer. Callahan sees the family-oriented events as a great way to get people into the restaurants and shops downtown.

Callahan reported that Waitsburg will celebrate its first National Night Out on Aug. 4. She has commitments from the fire department, sheriff's office and the hospital district to provide events and games for a fun, drug-free evening in the city park.

Callahan said she is inspired by citizens like the late Dave McConnell, Don Thomas and Ken Jantz who were catalysts, inspirations and provided a legacy to the community.

"We need to step up and be responsible. We have people who haven't lived here long who are stepping up to save the precious community we live in and its rich historical value. It's time those of us with a long connection and history to the community do the same," she said.

When speaking of McConnell, Thomas and Jantz, Callahan reflected on a Greek proverb she saw quoted recently: "A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in."

"Dave, Don and Kenny planted a lot of proverbial trees and it is now time for the next generation to do the same," she said. Those wishing to reserve the fairgrounds or who are interested in helping with the haunted hayride or other events may contact Callahan at debracallahan1@gmail.com.

Tentative 2015 Fairgrounds Calendar:

May 2 Lions Club Rib Feed

May 16-17 Celebration Days

June 5-7 Renaissance Faire & Equestrian

Event

June 12-14 Livestock Show

June 26-27 Jasper Mountain Opry: A Youth

Bluegrass Event

Aug. 7-9 Markle/Waggoner Reunion

Sept. 19 Lions Club Salmon Bake

Oct. 2-31 Haunted Hayride & Concessions

(Fri. - Sun. Oct. 2-31)