Steamboat Pilot & Today

This week's Hayden Town Board meeting was canceled because of a lack of business to attend to, but other Hayden committees have plenty to address as they look to take over event organization from the fizzled Hayden Chamber Association.

The Parks and Recreation Board met Tuesday night to discuss what events its members might take over now that the Chamber is taking time off to restructure itself.

Chamber officials told Town Board members last week that they needed time to restructure the organization and that they'd like to hand over to other groups the events they usually organize.

The Town Board approved of the Chamber's request and decided to distribute event planning to the Parks and Recreation Board, the Economic Development Commission and the Centennial Committee.

The Chamber's president, Lana McFadden, told Town Board members that the Chamber needs time to build its membership and recruit new volunteers.

The Chamber traditionally helps organize the Hayden Clean-up, Hayden Appreciation Barbecue and Colorado Days.

"We're going to have it covered," Hayden Town Manager Russ Martin said.

Martin said he met with the chairmen of the committees Tuesday and that their response was positive.

The Economic Development Commission will meet today to discuss taking over some of the events. The Centennial Committee, which has been organizing this year's centennial activities, will meet next week.

"They will decide whether they are interested or not," Martin said.

-- To reach Matt Stensland, call 871-4210

or e-mail mstensland@steamboatpilot.com