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Barn Bash cancellation disappoints many TIM CURRAN THE MID-COUNTY MEMO
It's earned the sobriquet Parkrose's Party not only because generations of Parkrosians meet former school friends and people they have not seen in years, even decades sometimes, but also because first-timers have such a good time, most look forward to the next one. Thousands flock to Rossi's family farm on Northeast 122nd Avenue across the street from Parkrose High and next to Parkrose Middle School on Shaver Street in the second week of July to have a good time. Putting on an event this size is enervating. I just really feel like I don't have it this year to put it all together, Rossi said in a telephone interview. Moreover, if he feels he does not have it, he does not want to put on an event that would not maximize its earning potential and raise as much money as possible. Groups that participate depend on me to come through for them, he said. If you've never been to a Barn Bash, (I'm sorry about that), for $20 you get a grilled chicken dinner-with all the fixings-you can go back for seconds too-a strawberry shortcake dessert, and live entertainment-two bands, one in the barn one outside, and a Wild West show. Beverages-including the adult type (beer and wine)-are extra, which is how Rossi raises the money to donate to community groups. Rossi said he expects the BB to return in 2015. I'm planning to do it next year, he said. It takes my full attention for half of June and all of July. Rossi said he enjoys doing the BB and does not take it lightly. He continues his other, less popular annual Parkrose Community Foundation events, which include a free movie night in September and a haunted ghost town in October, also held at the farm. Rossi said he distributed $11,800 in proceeds to 10 community programs and groups from last year's shindig, with an additional $5,000 raised through non-Barn Bash activities and events. Begun by Rossi and his friends in 1998, the Barn Bash ran 10 consecutive years, until 2007 when Rossi took a break, resuming Parkrose's Party in 2011 after a three-year hiatus. Rossi raised $3,000 that first year as a way to help defray his annual personal donation ($5,000) to the Parkrose Youth Football League, an organization initially funded and equipped by his father Aldo's largesse. According to Rossi, in the 12 Barn Bashes since, he has raised and donated about $110,000 to projects, groups and individuals. The senior Rossi, who died in 2009, was a legendary Parkrose patron. Dad used to like to see all the kids he coached at Parkrose, Rossi said. It was his favorite day of the year. |
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