CRESWELL – Most folks recognize July 3 as the eve of Independence Day in the United States, but for Creswell resident Jenni Donley, the date also represents National Drop a Rock Day.
At around 9 p.m. on the day before the Fourth of July, Donley and other community members set out around town to hide dozens of painted patriotic rocks for others to find. National Drop a Rock Day is celebrated yearly and is meant to inspire kindness, creativity, and joy through painted rocks hidden in public spaces.
“I thought it would be fun to combine the national event with our big Fourth of July Celebration in Creswell,” Donley said.
Donley said she loved the idea of people taking something from the town home with them, given the number of visitors Creswell sees during the Independence Day celebration.
In the past, Donley said the event has included 10-15 people who have helped paint the stones; however, due to COVID, participation in rock painting has declined overall. For the past five years, the painting of the rocks has been done by Donley, Cheryl Engle-Radke, and Whitney Wood. Their families help distribute the rocks on the night of the third.
“We bring all our rocks that we’ve painted, individually, to Harry Holt Park, around dusk. Usually, someone brings a treat to share, and we look at each other’s rocks. We spend a few minutes together, then set out on foot to hide the rocks,” she said.
Now in its ninth year, Donley said she has always painted rocks and continues to do so to keep the event going strong.
Folks visiting the city for its Fourth of July Celebration might find a painted rock along the parade route or at Harry Holt Park. Once a rock is found, it can be kept or rehidden to keep the whimsy fun alive. Donley said the group loves to see found rocks shared on their Facebook page, @CreswellRocks.
“We like to place rocks in the chairs that have been set up (for the parade) in advance. It’s fun to think of people arriving at their chairs on the morning of the parade and finding our rocks,” Donley said.
Painted rocks can also be purchased in Creswell at Bloom Wellness, and on Etsy at JenniDrocks.
