Board President Jake Boone

Jake is a Cottage Grove City Councilor with a passion for history. The Slabtown/Lemati Feud has come alive under his leadership this year. When this tall man with a reddish beard appears anywhere in his BMD costume complete with top hat and monocle he not only looks stately but as if he stepped out of a time machine from the Victorian era. In addition to serving as board president, Jake has worn multiple hats in organizing this year’s festival: Contest Coordinator, Website Design Team, and Sponsor Recruitment.  

How long have you been a Grover? Only about five years now, apparently, but I plan to be here pretty much forever. This is a fantastic little town (not that any of you locals need me to tell you that)!

Occupation/Vocation: Computer geekery and game design.

Other Grove Connections: I'm the tallest, beardiest member of the Cottage Grove City Council. I'm also on the Cottage Grove Community Foundation, which does a lot of great stuff in our community (despite my involvement).

Why did you join the BMD board? It was a mistake at first. As everyone knows, my first love is the art of mime. So when I was invited to join the "Bohemia Miming Days" board of directors, of course I leapt at the chance! My mistake became evident to all when I showed up at my first meeting only to discover that I was the only one in white facepaint and a unitard. Still, I was too embarrassed to quit, so I stuck around.*

* This story may be a complete fabrication.

How many years have you served on the BMD board? Two, though this is my first year as board president (which means if you have a terrible time, I'm the one to blame... but that's a hollow claim, 'cause I'm quite confident that you're going to have fun)!

What is your favorite BMD event/memory? Bringing my family to Coiner Park our first summer in Cottage Grove and laying eyes on Bohemia City for the first time. There's something really imagination-inspiring about those facade walls, even for old coots like me. I really enjoy seeing them go up each year, and here's to those walls going up for many, many years to come!