Meeting comes Jan. 17

"I'm leaving, and other people who have been involved aren't going to have as much time," Werbin explained. "The point we're all trying to make is that most of the key people have some obligations they haven't had before. No one seems to have as much time as they did before, and the need for new people is dire."

A public meeting on the future of Spring Fest is planned for Friday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held in the gallery at the White Salmon Community Library, and the public is encouraged to attend.

"It has to be a true community effort this year," said Penny White Morris, Spring Fest co-chair, who has served the last few years with Werbin. Morris said she plans to stay on as co-chair of the event.

The Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce sponsors the festivities, and will remain involved.

"We assist as we can with fundraising and publicity," said Debra Reed, manager of the Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce. "I'm getting calls already from vendors who want to apply for this May. We're having the meeting to see what can be done to have it continue on. We'll know more after Friday night's meeting."

Reed added that Werbin's effort would be missed.

"Oh absolutely -- he's been the backbone of the organization," Reed said. "Who knows of anybody else willing to work a whole lot on a volunteer basis to make it happen like that?"

Werbin downplayed his role in the annual event.

"This is not about me. My feeling is, it's a good time for new energy anyway," said Werbin. "We have things running well and smoothly, but it's a good time to add people and bring on new ideas."

Werbin said the event is relatively healthy, with attendance holding steady or increasing each year.

"The food merchants especially are always very happy," Werbin said. "We've gotten the event to the point of what we've been trying to do: more recreational, participatory activities. And we'll continue with the same local, high-quality music."

According to Werbin, the Jan. 17 public session will focus on finding someone with the skills to be treasurer for Spring Fest, and finding people with fundraising talents. Other needs include someone who can serve as liaison with the vendors, and citizens who just want to provide general help.

New proposals for Spring Fest attractions are also welcome.

"Even if a person has an idea for a single event, bring it forward," he said. "We're looking for people with ideas for activities they can make happen."

Werbin, who has lived in the White Salmon area for about nine years, said he would miss the community.

"It's been fun, but I had an offer I couldn't refuse," he said.

Spring Fest evolved from what was the annual May Fest celebration, which spanned the previous 20 years. As its former name suggests, the event takes place in May each year. For 2003, the event is scheduled for May 16-18.