Mon, 08/10/2009 - 12:18pm - Posted by: rcrank

I realize this is a comment late in coming and I wish I would have posted it sooner. I was not one of those who managed to get into the actual place the fireworks were held, but was one that had to find a place across the highway. Having a portion of the fireworks blocked by a building was not great - but we did leave late. However, should the event not hold everyone?

My bigger concern, having worked with individuals in McMinnville in the lower socio-economic range of income is that it was not accessible to those who cannot or do not drive. This hit me immediately as we drove out there and fought the traffic. I feel that fourth of July events should be COMMUNITY events and excluding those who for whatever reason cannot drive out to it is unacceptable.

I STRONGLY believe that it is an event that should be possible to walk to for so many reasons. I actually found it quite distasteful to see everyone having to drive their vehicles out to something that every other year could be strolled to. I feel that it was thoughtless to those who choose not to have or do not have access to vehicles.

I hope that this will be taken into consideration in future years.

Thank you,

Renee M. Crank

Fri, 07/10/2009 - 8:40am - Posted by: Jorgan Waldroup

I was very concerned and a little miffed about the change of location to the Air Museum's property but, after attending I have to say, I ended up being very pleased. It made for a very enjoyable night. The staff were present but not invasive, the show was decent. The wait to get out of the parking lot was a little long, but that's why you bring some music and just plan for a wait. The wait could have been longer, seriously! The staff did a great job of directing traffic out. The only negative I had was that personal fireworks were disallowed, which was always a fun part of the event for me: watching all the kids set off their fireworks and the glee that ensues. But, honestly it surprised me that personal fireworks had not been banned from previous year's fireworks. Yes it's fun and what the 4th is about but I cringed every time I saw a Ground Bloom Flower dance underneath a parked car.

Great Job everybody involved!

Sun, 07/05/2009 - 7:25pm - Posted by: carlrye

Man all the complaining. They are free. They were good. The traffic and parking were not that bad. Some people will complain about anthing. To bad they do not spend that energy on enjoying life. I would feel sorry for them except that would take away from my enjoying life time.

Sun, 07/05/2009 - 4:51pm - Posted by: pdxrock

I was only able to see the illegal fireworks by Patton School last night.
Maybe next year Jaycees can run a shuttle for those that don't drive.
It was really quiet last night! I always enjoyed hanging out at Town Center on July 4.
Maybe Jaycees can use the County Fair property next year!
Vern
http://www.live365.com/stations/pdxrock

Sun, 07/05/2009 - 4:31pm - Posted by: GINGER12

The firework location this year was an inconvienient joke. MANY dissapointed citizens.

Sun, 07/05/2009 - 3:13pm - Posted by: twoB

I didnt head out there due to the volume of traffic, etc. I was at a house on the east end of town, figuring I would be able to see the show from there. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Was the show visible from anywhere 'in town'?

Sun, 07/05/2009 - 1:00am - Posted by: ryanjoachim

The event tonight (last night?) went extremely well!

While some people voiced concerns about parking, apparently almost no one else thought that as we ended up filling all 950+ parking spaces on-site, as well as having over 150 cars parked at the airport, and another big group at Tanger.

Exiting the grounds took a while (as everyone expected), but there were actually minimal delays getting out, and almost no congestion on the highways. The only reason it took 45 minutes or so to get everyone out was the sheer volume of vehicles!

I just want to say THANK YOU to all the people who came out to support us, and wanted to let everyone know that next year should be a banner year for our show!

Ryan Joachim
McMinnville Jaycees
971-241-3500
ryanjoachim@verizon.net

Sat, 07/04/2009 - 8:06pm - Posted by: carlrye

I am not an evergreen employee. Thank God tho there is still a company that can have employees.

Thank you evergreen for the use of your land for the 4th.

Thank you anti company folks for showing the rest of us what is wrong with a portion of our society. Whiners, and angry people that do not know when they got it good.

Sat, 07/04/2009 - 5:17pm - Posted by: HAPPYCAMPER

No one accused anyone of not supporting the Jaycees! Just pointing out the negative comments. I try to be more optimistic about things! And yes I am an Evergreen employee, I'll say it. It doesn't mean Im trying to vouch for anyone. My comments are strictly personal! Happy 4th! Stay cool!!

Sat, 07/04/2009 - 3:06pm - Posted by: v.smith

Happycamper: I never said I didn't support the Jaycees and what they contribute to the McMinnville area...so who's negative know..you must be an Evergreen employee..stay cool

Sat, 07/04/2009 - 12:51pm - Posted by: strings59

Happycamper, you have a goodtime for me as I stated before I will not be attending this year,I'm sure I won't be the only one staying home or going elsewhere. Oh by the way are you in anyway affiliated or related to anyone at evergreen? doubt if you will say.

Sat, 07/04/2009 - 11:19am - Posted by: HAPPYCAMPER

strings59 & V.Smith: Mr./Mrs Negative. Boo on you! Support the Jaycees and have a good time watching a great firework show...for the sake of the day!

Fri, 07/03/2009 - 2:02pm - Posted by: v.smith

There was a comment made on 6/30/2009 made by an Evergreen Employee Thanking Mr. Smith for allowing the use of his space...I'm sure this comment was posted to advertise the Evergreen Museum and Space Museum to bring in more business for Mr. Smith during the 4th of July events...Evergreen does nothing for free unless there is going to be a profit for the company in one why or another and his employees will do the same or end up losing their job...I'm sure if the Jaycees had another place to go this year they would...

Thu, 07/02/2009 - 7:23pm - Posted by: anglingaddict

"Don't ask for life to be easy, ask for it to be worth it!" - Danni Johnson

Give our Jaycees some credit folks! They give McMinnville one of the best fireworks shows around and have been doing it for 25 years now. I'm pretty sure they're on top of making sure traffic is as little an issue as possible for this year. This group has been busting their butts trying to find a new location to give our community the show we have come to expect. While the location this year is not "ideal" in several ways, we will still have our traditional fireworks show. This person is hoping they are able to secure a site for next year that will be less hassle both for the people attending and the Jaycees in dealing with logistical and set up issues.
My hat off to you Ryan and all your fellow Jaycees for all the work you have done to make sure that the "show goes on". We're proud to support you with this event and look forward to many more years!! :)

Wed, 07/01/2009 - 9:56pm - Posted by: ryanjoachim

Traffic is being taken very seriously. Traffic and parking will be controlled and monitored constantly by both Event Staff and Mac PD for all vehicles entering or exiting.

After the show, exiting traffic will be controlled by Mac PD, and there will actually be 2 initial exits: one onto the highway (right turn only), and one going down into Tanger Mall (traffic will be routed from there to different locations, to further diminish the flow). Both will be regulated to ensure a constant and steady flow with minimal impact on overall traffic.

We recommend that everyone carpool as much as possible, to make things easier for both yourselves and for all of us putting on the show.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

Ryan Joachim
McMinnville Jaycees - Security and Parking Coordinator
ryanjoachim@comcast.net
971-241-3500

Wed, 07/01/2009 - 8:43pm - Posted by: strings59

I hope this is a one time event,I won't be attending this year,the traffic jam this will cause is going to be horrendous,the inconvenience to the elderly that usually watch from their lawns will be sad.I'm sure the attendance will be alot lower because of the restrictions,and traffic is surely going to be slow and untimely, I am glad the fireworks will go on this year,but hopefully this will never happen again, with only one road in and out I feel claustrophobic already.And hopefully no accidents happen,will the fire dept.have engines there and at the ready.

Wed, 07/01/2009 - 7:45pm - Posted by: Catafoot

Is there going to be traffic control so people can get out of there after the fireworks are over?

Wed, 07/01/2009 - 3:58pm - Posted by: ryanjoachim

Just a few reminders:

Because this year's event is on Private property, the rules are slightly more strict for event goers.

1: No Alcohol
2: No personal/commercial fireworks
3: No weapons of any kind
4: NO TABACCO - I put that in caps because it's very important. Evergreen is a completely NON-SMOKING environment. This includes cigarettes AND chewing tabacco.

Event staff (Jaycees) have the authority to ask you to leave if they feel it is necessary, and it will be enforced by both the Mac PD and the County Sheriff's office.

Parking is allowed in marked spots only. All cars illegally parked will be TOWED at the owner's expense, without warning.

We hope to see everyone out there for one of the biggest shows we've ever had the privilege to do!

If you have any questions about the event, feel free to contact me at ryanjoachim@comcast.net

Wed, 07/01/2009 - 1:26pm - Posted by: mcminnvilleresident

Thanks Fleadog!!!!

Sun, 07/19/2009 - 7:13pm - Posted by: MikeTubbs

..

Tue, 06/30/2009 - 5:38pm - Posted by: Fleadog

McMinnville resident,
As you enter Willamina on 18 Business Loop from Sheridan, go through town until you cross the railroad tracks and then the bridge. As soon as you cross the bridge take your first left and that will put you at the old high school. You may want to back track from there and find a spot a little higher up, new school on the hill maybe?
Aaron Van Beurden
Sheridan

Tue, 06/30/2009 - 4:25pm - Posted by: mcminnvilleresident

Hello,
Where is the area by the football field of the old high school?

Tue, 06/30/2009 - 2:25pm - Posted by: spointer

Correct, there is no fee to park. Jaycees have notified me clarifying their intentions: They will have donation jars set up around the area, but will not be collecting fees as drivers enter the parking lot. Donations will go toward supporting the fireworks show, which is entirely paid for by donations from individuals and businesses.
Starla Pointer
News-Register

Tue, 06/30/2009 - 1:41pm - Posted by: Evergreen Employee

There won't be a fee to park at the Evergreen Museum... there will be food vendors (food for purchase) and a band starting at 4pm.
Thanks to Mr. Smith for allowing the use of his space!