Parks department settling into Jamboreeka routine

It may not have been the busiest Jamboreeka event in its four-year history, but members of the Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Department agreed on one thing: It was the most organized event so far.

The 4th Annual Jamboreeka, held Saturday, July 4, at Lake Leatherwood Park to celebrate Independence Day received a consensus stamp of approval from parks commissioners at its monthly meeting held Thursday, July 23, at The Auditorium.

“I think we can all agree the event went very smoothly,” Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Director Sam Dudley told commissioners. “Two things happened. One, we’re really getting our system down, but I also think every other town and city was having an event for the Fourth of July because it was on a Saturday and it was the 250th anniversary, so I think that dispersed the crowds enough to where we just didn’t get the super chaotic crazy rush like we have in years past.”

Commission Chair Ruth Hager responded: “But, I think we’re just more organized. It didn’t feel chaotic and that’s why.”

“Yeah, I mean, for sure,” Dudley replied. “I do think there were fewer people, but I think we managed the whole situation better this year.

“It was the first year where I never had a moment where I was like, ‘I’m going to rip my hair out and go run in the woods.’ So, that’s good. I did not have that moment.”

This year’s event included a new reserved parking option, which allowed attendees to purchase a spot close to all the action for $20. The reserved parking was shut down to new vehicles at 7:30 p.m., allowing workers to enjoy more of the event.

In addition, the parks department worked with the city’s transit service to provide shuttles from various lots around the city, helping ease the typical congestion in the area.

“I think everything went good,” Dudley said. “The dumpster could be a little bigger next year, but other than that, I think we’re good.

“With all that said, I want to give a public acknowledgment of organizations and people who helped. A big thank you to Cornerstone Bank for donating $1,000 in gift cards we raffled off. To Hidden Valley Guest Ranch for use of their field for parking. For Clear Spring School for managing the parking over there, and for Eureka Springs Transit for bringing their A-game.

“We couldn’t have done it without all of them. I think they crushed it.”

Dudley also thanked the police department for helping with traffic monitoring.

“I do think it was a big help closing things off at 7:30,” he said. “[Attendees] could still ride the trolley down, but as far as parking. We need to have our time to enjoy the event a little bit too, so that helps.”

The commission also thanked the Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission for helping book the event’s band and helping fund the fireworks show, and the city, for its part in funding its portion of the fireworks.

“There was also Inn of the Ozarks for use of their tables and chairs, Victor Smith for use of his canopy tent, Rainbow Fireworks for putting on another great display, and ABC Bounce for bringing water games.”

Members of the Eureka Springs High School baseball program also operated a pitching machine booth, Dudley said, adding that all members of his department worked long hours the week of Jamboreeka to help make it possible.”

All commissioners offered positive feedback on the event.

“I think it went so much smoother,” commissioner Mark Ingram said. “I did notice that [Dudley was] completely less stressed.”

“… Each year we’ve said we’ll learn something new…”

Commissioner Ken Trimble agreed.

“Huge kudos about Jamboreeka,” Trimble said. “I’ve heard a lot of good, glowing comments from different people. The display was super fantastic, and I thought the parking went really, really well.”

Dudley told commissioners that Clear Spring School made approximately $1,700 as a fundraiser for its part in general admission parking, and the parks department made $2,000 on the 100 reserved parking spots.

OTHER COMMISSION ITEMS

Dudley updated commissioners on upcoming events, including Fat Tire Festival, which will be taking place Sept. 25-27.

Another mountain biking event, Grit Fest, will be held Oct. 2-4 at Lake Leatherwood Park.

The commission also discussed engineering drawings of a new bathhouse being planned for Lake Leatherwood.

After discussing the plans, specifically the showers and how they are accessed, gender specified, and the use of a handicap entrance, commissioners opted to get more adjustments from the engineers before proceeding.