Innovation plus art equals a new look for Uptown Oakridge
by Lynda Kamerrer | Jun 1, 2025 | Front Page
June 1, 2025 (Oakridge, Oregon) Expect the unexpected in Uptown Oakridge on Friday, June 6, between 5 & 7 pm. The public is invited to vote on entries in the form of 2D and 3D art designed to hang from lamp posts along First Street, replacing the traditional summer flower baskets. The Uptown Business & Revitalization Association, (UBRA), was prompted to innovate and shift from sponsoring 22 baskets of petunias on the lamp posts to a more sustainable and less labor-intensive display.
Over the past 4 years there have been some beautiful moments of colorful petunias gracing the lamp posts, but not always. This effort toward beautification of the neighborhood was supported by businesses, the City of Oakridge, and private donors. However, the summer conditions on First Street in Oakridge tend to be consistently windy and hot, making daily watering by volunteers necessary between May and October. Still holding the values of beautification and welcoming at the top of the list, UBRA put out the call for artists to create pieces for a seasonal display on the lamp posts.
The public is invited to view the baskets the evening of Friday, June 6th, 5-7 pm and cast a vote for several categories. Winning artists will receive cash prizes, and the entries will be on display all summer into fall. Ballots will be available at the Sacred Spiral Gift Shop at First and Ash St in Oakridge. Ballots may be dropped off at the UBRA office location on the patio at First St and Pine. The Oakridge First Friday Art Walk takes place in the Uptown district at the same time as the Lamp Post Art Contest. Uptown businesses are open all evening, offering food, beverages, shopping, and entertainment.
Contact: Lynda Kamerrer, UBRA Board Member
cp/text: 541.915.1212
ABOUT UBRA
UBRA is an Oregon Main Street affiliated non-profit organization. Our projects aim to promote the economic vitality of the Uptown business district through marketing and beautification. UBRA supports a monthly First Friday Art Walk and works to create a welcoming main street environment.
After a Decade of Determination, Oakridge's Uptown District Shines Brighter Than Ever
Local business association's dogged persistence pays off with revitalized billboard welcoming travelers to explore their community
OAKRIDGE, OR — What started as a grassroots dream in 2009 has illuminated into a beacon of community pride along Highway 58, where a newly renovated billboard now beckons thousands of daily travelers to "Explore Uptown" Oakridge.
The story behind the eye-catching sign embodies the spirit that has driven the Uptown Business and Revitalization Association (UBRA) for over 15 years — a mix of volunteer grit, creative problem-solving, and unwavering community commitment.
From Vision to Reality
UBRA's journey began under the umbrella of the Upper Willamette Community Development Corporation, where a dedicated group of volunteers set their sights on transforming Oakridge's business district. Their persistence is paying off, with tangible improvements steadily taking shape across the area.
The billboard itself has become a symbol of this grassroots determination. Originally constructed in 2014 through volunteer labor on Oakridge Sand and Gravel property near the town's iconic water tower, the sign recently received a stunning makeover that represents the best of local collaboration.
A Community Effort
The 2024 renovation showcased how Oakridge comes together to support shared goals. UBRA allocated funds from their own budget while securing additional backing from the City of Oakridge's Transient Room Tax fund. The project aligned perfectly with Lane County's Explore initiative, creating synergy between local and regional tourism efforts.
Local artist Barbara Counsil Burney designed the vibrant new artwork, while Haugen Graphics handled the printing and Webfoot Properties managed the installation. The result is a professional-grade welcome sign that rivals any major city's tourism marketing.
When the Lights Went Out
But the renovation hit a snag when the billboard's solar lighting system failed. After several electrical contractors failed to return calls, UBRA board members Don Grant and Kevin Gobelman rolled up their sleeves to investigate the problem themselves.
Their detective work revealed that the solar batteries needed replacement — a crucial fix for a sign that serves as a 24-hour advertisement to the approximately 4,000 vehicles passing daily along the busy highway corridor.
Local Business Steps Up
When battery manufacturers showed little interest in supporting the community project, UBRA turned to a local solution. Oakridge Tire Center stepped forward without hesitation, donating the needed battery to keep their community's welcome sign glowing.
The Grant-Gobelman installation team completed the work, ensuring that Oakridge's invitation to explore will shine bright for travelers day and night.
Illuminating the Future
As the newly illuminated billboard welcomes visitors to discover what Uptown Oakridge has to offer, it stands as more than just a roadside sign. It represents the power of sustained community effort, the value of local partnerships, and the bright future that awaits when neighbors work together toward a common vision.
For UBRA, this latest achievement marks another milestone in their ongoing mission to create a thriving business district — one project, one partnership, and one act of determination at a time.