City Plans; Council Candidates; Dunefest

City Plans

The City of Florence is working on the next string of events following the success of the Friday Night Block Party last week.  Assistant City Manager Megan Messmer says some staff have chosen to take time off this week, but others are working on what comes next.

“so we are kind of in a planning stage this week for our next couple of weeks.  We don’t have any city meetings this week, but we will be back at it next week with city council meeting next week, and then we also have some events that we are planning the rest of the summer.”

One of those events is to coordinate the National Night Out on Tuesday August 6th.  The nationwide event will feature local law enforcement in a get to know you setting with games and a cookout featuring hot dogs, hamburgers and chips.  The city has also invited first responders as well as the US Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies.  Messmer also says they are going to have a movie in the park on Wednesday, August 21st. featuring the movie “how to train your dragon”.  Both events are free events.

Council Candidates

Currently there are only three candidates for the two positions that will be available on the Florence city Council.  incumbents Sally Wantz and Bill Meyer have completed their registration.  Wantz’s paper work has been verified and she is officially on the ballot while Meyers signatures are in the verification phase.  The third candidate is also awaiting verification of signatures, former journalist for the Siuslaw News Mark Brennan.  Individuals interested in running for council or for the Mayor’s seat will have to have paperwork in to the elections board by Tuesday, August 13th to be eligible.  Currently incumbent Mayor Rob Ward is the only candidate on the ballot for Mayor.

Dunefest

Today begins the annual Dunefest on the sands in Winchester Bay.  The annual event brings riders and spectators from all around the world to be part of some of the races and other activities.  This year there will be a freestyle show featuring 15 time XGame medalist Jarryd McNeil.  There will also be several stages featuring live music and there will be games for all ages.  The event features vendors from food to parts and accessories.  It also features a night ride and barrel racing on three wheelers.  They also have a kid safe ride area and will have a poker run.  Dunefest goes through Sunday, August 4th.