13 Nights on the River off to a great start at McCormick Park in St. Helens

It took a bit of fancy footwork, but the city of St. Helens held its first 13 Nights on the River concert at McCormick Park seemingly without a hitch.

The event Thursday, June 6, has been reconfigured and relocated this year due to all the construction taking place at the riverfront.

City Administrator John Walsh was on hand to see the event unfold.

“The crowd enjoyed themselves, and we received positive feedback from the initial event,” Walsh said. “We heard from many people who were skeptical about the new location, who said that they enjoyed the venue.”

City Communications Officer Crystal King was also in attendance at the first concert.

“Everyone I saw appeared to be enjoying themselves,” King said. “A lot of the feedback that I’ve seen after the event has been very positive. People seem to have enjoyed the new venue.”

Transportation was a big concern heading into Thursday’s event, but all seemed well, according to Walsh.

“Yes, we received feedback from attendees that they found parking to be easier at McCormick Park,” Walsh said.

While June 6 was a dry affair, plans are in the offing to make alcohol available at upcoming concerts.

“The city council approved a change to a city ordinance to allow alcohol in McCormick Park for permitted events," Walsh said. "A third-party vendor sells alcohol at 13 Nights, and the OLCC is currently reviewing their application for a change in venue.”

He continued, “We anticipate alcohol will be sold at 13 Nights once OLCC approves the permit. The concessions agreement for beer garden sales is one of the main revenue sources for 13 Nights since the concerts are free to attend.”

Future announced concerts will be June 13 with Stay’in Alive, June 20 with Lloyd Jones and June 27 with the Damon Castillo Band.

As to future concerts beyond June 27, the city is in the process of opening event management services to any qualified candidate who applies, with the current tourism contract ending June 30.

Plans are to bring 13 Nights back to its original Columbia View Park location next year, but nothing is certain.

“However, with anything, there are always unknowns that we may not be able to anticipate,” Walsh said. “Construction of the Riverwalk Project Phase 1 in Columbia View Park is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2025.”