Families in the Park is a tradition and a ritual virtually unique to Hood River:
    Casual, family-oriented concerts in the park that are free of charge and come-as-you are.
    Many citizens of Hood River and neighboring communities have, over the years, danced, picnicked, sang along, and generally reveled in the Thursday night celebrations during August. There is something special about the inimitable pleasures of gathering on the lawn on 80-degree summer nights for rock-and-roll, country or jazz music amid the lengthening shadows in Jackson Park.

In a scene repeated four or five times every August for the past 26 years, adults and children dance and have bounced in front of the stage, joyously relishing the music coming from the stage just a few feet away.

It’s a safe, energetic scene that is truly one of the better things about living in Hood River.

But now, the Families in the Park tradition is in danger of coming unplugged.

Donations are way behind this year for Community Education, which stages the weekly concerts. Community Ed Director John Rust said that funding from the major sponsors has come through, it’s the smaller, $100-type donations that haven’t appeared.

Further, there is a deficit of $3,500 from pledges made last year. Granted, it has been a tough year for businesses. Some might not be able to make good on those pledges, but it is time for those parties to do what they can to make good on that commitment.

Also, help is needed for 2010. Groups, businesses and individuals are encouraged to make a donation, large or small.

The main expense for the family-friendly events is the cost of hiring a band and sound technicians — $5,000 to $10,000 a night.

Rust needs to pull his financial support together no later than the end of July.

The music and the dancing that come with Families in the Park are wonderful additions to summer in the city, but they are just a part of what the weekly August events are all about. Families in the Park provides opportunities for nonprofit groups to raise money by selling food and other refreshments during the concerts.

In addition, youth performers from the community serve as warm-up acts for the headliners, making those four August nights a true community occasion. For this and other reasons, it would be sad to lose the hip-shakin’ verve of Families in the Park.

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To make a donation or for more information call 541-386-2055 or visit www.hrcommunityed.org.