Board Secretary Cindy Weeldreyer

Cindy has worn several hats assisting the BMD board and Festival Coordinator in the last eight years, primarily as publicity coordinator, website content coordinator and as an official BMD Ambassador. This year she joined the board and serves as Board Secretary, Kiddie Parade Coordinator and is on the Website Design Team. 

How long have you been a Grover? I moved to Lane County in 1980 to attend the University of Oregon.  In 1983, my husband Ralph and I moved to Cottage Grove to better care for his elderly mother and their family’s property.

Occupation/Vocation:  Community Journalist, Photographer, Radio Program Host, PR Specialist & Community Organizer; Former Lane County Commissioner and LCC Board Member

Other Grove Connections: CG Prospectors & Golddiggers, CG Historical Society, Beds for Freezing Nights, CG Faith Community as The Sentinel’s Faith Page Editor and KNND’s Sunday Morning Light Host, and CG Vision 2037 Project

Why did you join the BMD Board? This is my first year as an official board member. I joined because I wanted to be part of this board’s very cool vision of “The Feud: Slabtown vs. Lemati” -- a new interactive feature highlighting our town’s colorful history. In addition to being Cottage Grove’s biggest party of the year, I love how the festival strengthens community cohesiveness and makes a positive economic impact on my adopted hometown for four days each summer.  

How many years have you served on the BMD Board? I’ve worked with the board and festival coordinator since 2004 as an official BMD Festival Ambassador and publicity coordinator.

What is your favorite BMD event/memory? My favorite event would have to be the three parades, especially when we have lots of participants. My favorite BMD memory is my very first one – in 1980. That year the festival was held next to the fire station on the old Chambers Mill property. Ralph Weeldreyer, my new boyfriend and native Grover, took this Louisiana Bayou girl for a romantic spin on the Carnival’s Ferris wheel and then took me to my first Lemati Gang’s Old West Show. I’m thankful to the thousands of volunteers who have continued this enjoyable summer time tradition for 53 years!