Wow. What a year it has been since Bohemia Mining Days 2024!
It’s hard to even begin to put into words everything that has happened since last summer. So much has changed, grown, and come back to life as we’ve worked tirelessly to bring this festival into a new era. If you’ve ever been part of event planning—or any kind of major community effort—you know it’s no small feat.
But let me tell you, the work we’ve been doing? It’s big.
From Passion to Official Nonprofit Status
One of the biggest milestones we hit last year was officially incorporating and securing our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. This was a huge step forward, ensuring that Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days has a solid foundation for the future. It gives us the ability to apply for grants, build stronger partnerships, and offer sponsors, donors, and supporters the confidence that their contributions are truly making a difference.
On top of that, we acquired all the assets from the previous organization that ran Bohemia Mining Days for decades. It was a crucial move to keep the festival’s legacy alive while also giving us a fresh start under a new structure.
And while paperwork and legal filings aren’t exactly the most thrilling part of the process, they were necessary steps in making sure we could move forward in a sustainable way.
Rebuilding Connections & Strengthening the Community
We didn’t just inherit the festival’s assets—we’ve also been rebuilding relationships that go back decades.
One of the things I’ve loved most about this journey is connecting with the people who have been part of Bohemia Mining Days for years, whether as volunteers, vendors, sponsors, or passionate community members. Some folks have stepped forward with incredible stories and wisdom from past festivals, while others have jumped in, eager to help build something new.
We’ve had meetings, phone calls, coffee chats—you name it—to reignite old partnerships and create new ones. And honestly? The support and enthusiasm we’ve received have been nothing short of inspiring.
The Mountain of Work Behind the Scenes
Pulling off an event like this isn’t just about picking a weekend and throwing up some tents. There’s been an enormous amount of behind-the-scenes work to get things back on track.
And I’ll be honest—it’s overwhelming at times. As the new Executive Director, I have no idea how the folks before me managed to do all of this on a volunteer basis. It’s truly mind-blowing. Since November, I’ve been working 60-hour weeks, pouring everything I’ve got into making sure this festival happens in 2025.
Where We’re Headed Next
We’re not just bringing back Bohemia Mining Days—we’re building something even bigger.
This festival has always been about history, community, and tradition, but we’re also thinking beyond the event itself. Here are just a few of the new things we’ve been working on:
- Leadership & Education Programs – We launched the Bohemia City Leaders Program to help high school students develop leadership skills and gain hands-on event-planning experience. These young people are the future of this festival, and we want them to feel empowered to help shape it.
- History for the Next Generation – The Future Bohemia Citizens Program is all about bringing local history to life for elementary students. We want kids to grow up with a deep appreciation for Cottage Grove’s wild and fascinating past!
- Community Outreach – We’re working with senior living communities to bring history-themed presentations to residents who may not be able to attend the festival in person. Their stories and experiences are just as much a part of our town’s heritage, and we want them to be included.
How You Can Help
As exciting as all of this is, we can’t do it alone. Bohemia Mining Days belongs to this community, and it’s going to take all of us to make it happen.
Here are a few ways you can get involved:
- Sponsor or Donate – If you or your business want to support a long-standing tradition while also gaining great exposure, let’s talk. We have sponsorship opportunities that will put your name in front of thousands of attendees.
- Volunteer – Whether you have a few hours or a few days, we’d love to have you on board. We need help with everything from planning to setting up, running booths, and making sure guests have a great experience.
- Spread the Word – Tell your friends, family, and coworkers about Bohemia Mining Days. Follow us on social media, share our posts, and help keep the excitement going.
Mark Your Calendars!
July 17-19, 2025
That’s when all of this hard work will come to life. We cannot wait to bring this festival back bigger, better, and stronger than ever.
If you want to be part of the journey—whether as a volunteer, a donor, or just a fan cheering us on—reach out! Email me at spiritofbmd@gmail.com.
Thank you for being part of this incredible ride. We’re just getting started!
See you in July!