Organizers of the Rock Reggae & Rap Festival, also known as R3, taking place in La Pine August 15 – 16, plan to donate a portion of the proceeds raised from the event to the La Pine Parks and Recreation District, which is in dire need to funding.
In late July, La Pine Park & Rec officials announced they would have to shut down all programs and facilities, including youth sports programs, the White School Park Building, Finley Butte Community Park and Rosland Campground, if a voter-approved property tax to pay for operations does not pass this November. The tax would amount to 30 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, or about $60 annually for a homeowner whose house is valued at $200,000.
Published reports say the district would hire two full-time and one part-time employees, refurbish district buildings and parks and finally begin construction of long-awaited projects, such as a skateboard park, a basketball court and a hiking-walking-jogging trail system.
There are more than 40 bands on the bill, and all have agreed to play pro bono to help the cause, including Bend-based acts Tentareign, Open Defiance and Vengeance Creek.
In addition to the music, the R3 Festival will bring in a variety of vendors and there will be a beer garden. Information: 541/389-1834 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 541/389-1834 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or on the Web at www.r3festival.com
