Planning already underway for next year’s Concrete River Festival celebration

It did not take long once the curtain was closed on the 2016 Concrete River Festival for event organizers to start making plans for next year.

The Economic Development, Tourism and Events Commission, which was responsible for organizing the festival, is already looking for feedback to make plans for the next year's festival.

One of the biggest changes to the event next year will be moving the event from the second weekend in July to the third weekend.

“It's conflicting because a lot of people told us they already were going to Chewelah or Cheney (for their festivals), so it was drawing people away from here, especially food vendors,” said Sarah McKnight, one of the commission members.

The commission has noted that the parade this year was successful, said McKnight.

“We saw a good jump in numbers from the parade. Last year, we had 25 entrants, and the parade was 37 this year, so that's a big jump,” she said.

McKnight noted, though, that the commission wants to improve what happens after the parade.

“Right after the parade we want to have bands or some form of entertainment,” she said. “People left right after the parade because there was nothing keeping them downtown.”

Another thing that may help is more businesses staying open during the festival and extending hours, she said.

“We want more of the business to stay open to have more downtown traffic,” said McKnight.

McKnight also noted the duck dash and costume run were successful and will likely continue, as well as the kids' carnival, which was successful. However, it may move locations next year.

“We might try to move the kids' carnival in a parking lot to have it more downtown,” she said.

Additionally, one complaint noted was the lack of public restrooms during the festival.

“We had Port-A-Potties, but unfortunately someone parked them in the alley, so no one saw them,” said McKnight. “So we’ll take care of the bathroom problem next year.”

Another change for next year could be the return of the car show.

“In the past they've had a car show, and we want to do a classic car show on Saturday,” said McKnight.

The commission is welcoming comments about the festival.

“We want to hear complaints and good things,” said McKnight.

The commission meets the third Tuesday of each month at city hall at 5:30 p.m. and would welcome suggestions.

Those who cannot attend can make suggestions on the Concrete River Festival Facebook page.