A local artist, shows off her wares during Last Thursday. Photo by Jake Thomas.

Rebekah Belle
503-288-0033

Over 300 people crowded into the Arcadian Ballroom on Alberta Street last night at a forum set up by Mayor Sam Adams and Commissioner Amanda Fritz to gather residents’ thoughts on Last Thursday- a free form alternative monthly arts event that has become increasingly controversial.

Many homeowners and businesses owners gave testimony about their feelings on how Alberta Street has changed over the years and that Last Thursday is one of the driving factors behind it, creating business opportunities and increasing the value of homes.

The majority of people who testified want Last Thursday to stay in the neighborhood with very few saying it should go. Everyone agreed there needs to be changes in how the event is organized and handled. Many of the business owners said they really didn’t make that much money during the event, but it gave them exposure and a feeling of belonging to a special community.

A few that said they depend on Last Thursday for staying in business.

“Eighty percent of our business comes on Last Thursday,” said Bill Rowlins, an art gallery owner.

A woman representing herself and her elderly neighbors who couldn’t make it, complained about the trash, public urination, and unruly behavior. Others described how their families were kept up by the noise from the event and how that might affect their jobs or attending school.

Almost everyone agreed that alcohol was a really big problem for the event. Not so much from the businesses located there, but from people bringing in their own.

Donna Guardino of Guardino Gallery who has a love-hate relationship with the event says “there needs to be a zero tolerance for alcohol and that people need to be ticketed for alcohol on the street.”

“Drunk people don’t buy art,” quipped one artist.

The city presented a list of monthly costs of Last Thursday. Controlling an estimated 10,000 people at this event is costing about $12,000.00 per month for the city. Amanda Fritz explained the city’s’ budget shortfall was a cause of concern saying, “for every $1,000 they can save, that’s another homeless family that can be put into a home.”

Last Thursday’s financial burden is clearly an issue. Some suggested that a dedicated group of volunteers could work to offset those costs. Over 70 people signed up to be volunteers with a grass roots organization called Team Last Thursday, which came up with a plan described in a flier that was handed out for the event. The plan addressed street closure, parking, music, fees, open containers and trash issues being handled by a volunteer staff.

Whether or not Last Thursday will exist is still undetermined and will take many more meetings to determine its fate. The large and rowdy crowds – plus the expense – have put the future of the festival in doubt. A big issue is how to preserve the organic nature of the event while keeping it under control. Other public forums will be scheduled to continue the discussion.