Commissioners of the Live Oak Parks and Recreation Commission and city staff on Oct. 13 reviewed this year’s Shindig event, saying attendance and volunteer support rose and that several operational changes will inform planning for 2026.

The discussion matters because Shindig is a major citywide event that affects traffic, volunteer deployment and vendor participation and serves as a public-facing showcase for local businesses and city services.

Commissioner Daniel Buncher said he saw “new games” draw strong interest from children and noted that many activities were free, a detail other speakers said residents appreciated. “New games are awesome,” Buncher said.

Courtney Reese, a city events staff member, thanked volunteers and said staff are incorporating lessons from this year into next year’s planning. Reese said the city will consider a January meeting (separate from city council) to finalize the musical direction and other programming choices for 2026.

Commissioner Bob (last name not specified) estimated overall attendance increased about 15% over the prior year, praised the addition of a more robust DJ/sound setup and singled out misting fans and inflatable game vendors as successful operational choices. He noted the temporary rental approach for inflatables reduced setup and cleanup burdens on staff and volunteers.

Multiple commissioners and staff praised the shuttle program, which draws on local firefighter volunteers, and the participation of high-school volunteer groups. Commissioner Maria Ward called the volunteer turnout “a tremendous help.” Commissioner Chris (last name not specified) and others said the shuttle relieved parking pressure and improved accessibility to farther areas of the park.

Courtney Reese said staff are evaluating music and entertainment options, and will present a recommended direction to the commission early next year. Reese also urged commissioners to save Dec. 10 on their calendars for the city’s Down Home Christmas event, to be held 6–8 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot, with Santa available until about 8:30 p.m.

The meeting included questions about small disturbances at the “touch-a-truck” attraction and a brief discussion of new vendor businesses that discovered customers through Shindig. No formal action or vote was taken on Shindig planning during the meeting; staff said more detailed proposals will appear in January.

Less critical details: commissioners complimented event giveaways (T-shirts, mugs, LED items) and the use of a neighboring city’s stage (staff covered the neighbor city branding during the event).