I attended the first day of the event on July 2 and the dismal, rainy weather wasn’t exactly the opening day I expected. However, people brought their umbrellas and rainboots determined to show up to support the community and hard work of the AAC. The Cascade had a chance to speak with the executive director of Jam In Jubilee, Meghan Dahl, and it’s safe to say the rain wasn’t dulling spirits.
“We’re excited that people have turned up despite all this weather, and we’ve got some die-hards in the audience who are obviously excited to have this. Yeah, [we’re] excited to be here.”
They’ve made some improvements for this year’s event compared to last year.
“We’ve got some brand advancing this year, so some upgraded materials, some of which will be still arriving next weekend. We’ve got a bigger, better stage this year so there’s better visibility for our guests.”
The ACC’s goal is all about creating connections and encouraging participation amongst local artists, artist lovers, and people who just enjoy creativity.
“We really love to get the community involved, both businesses and sponsors, volunteers, you know, we really love to have people come out and support the artists on stage, the artists sharing their crafts, and the artist market as well.”
J Likes 2 Crochet, a vendor run by Jaimie Baerg and her sister Eden Baerg, sell their crochet creations together, mostly cute toques. The Cascade asked Eden how they got started.
“We actually both have started crocheting in the last year, but we also love it just as a fun, creative pass time, and we ended up realizing we had so much stock so we just kinda kept making toques, [we had] too many for ourselves.”
They currently use their Instagram, @jlikes2crochet, to promote their creations but Baerg said an Etsy shop might be in the cards someday. She spoke for her sister when saying they want to constantly improve their designs and expand their selection. As for having a booth at the event, they have only a positive response.
“Yeah it’s really cool, it’s very cozy. We’ve had a few friends come visit which is fun. It’s just a lot of community and people, it’s cool to be connected in that way and the music’s great.”
Baerg said they would love to return next year.
Other vendors present at the event included Atangard, henna body art, Three Raccoons, and of course The Cascade! The first week of performers included Soundwater, Doohickey Cubicle, Leo D.E Johnson, and Logan Farrell. As I listened to Soundwater singing Van Morrison and John Denver, I got an old-timey vibe from the openers of this week’s Jam In Jubilee.
I encourage everyone to stop by and involve themselves in this community oriented event whether for half an hour or two hours. Even if you’re just there for the mini donuts.
Editorial note: The Cascade is a financial sponsor of Jam in Jubilee.
Veronica is a Staff Writer at The Cascade. She loves to travel and explore new places, no matter how big or small. She is in her second year at UFV, pursuing the study of Creative
Writing.