Parkrose party brings down the house... er barn
LEE PERLMAN
THE MID-COUTY MEMO
Once again they came, they paid, and they enjoyed. The Rossi Farms Barn Bash drew more than 1,800 people and netted thousands of dollars for the Parkrose Youth Activities Fund. Along the way, those who came consumed lots of barbecued chicken and trimmings — prepared by the Portland Parkrose Lions Club and served by an army of volunteers — consumed beer donated by Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, danced to the music of the Last Rodeo Band and the Columbia Cutups, and watched two versions of the original film “The Tale of Nick Rose,” one performed by a cast that included Nick and Joe Rossi, the other by students from the Parkrose High School film and drama departments.
Along the way Turkey Creek Productions’ Tom Mannen, the resident expert on film and the Wild West, staged some high jinks in the farm’s Wild West town set. He also provided a lecture on the safe use of guns loaded with “blanks.” When not used properly, he said, such ammunition could cause serious injuries at close range.
The Mid-county Memo would like to give kudos to the Rossi family, who somehow manages to produce this quality community event year after year.
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The Columbia Cutups, a new addition to the Rossi Farms Barn Bash, are a dynamic bluegrass group that adds to the pleasant mix of music.
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New neighbors attend every year. Attending the Barn Bash for the first time are, from left, Denise and Tom Mahoney. On their left, are veteran barn bash goers Randy Wilson, Parkrose High School class of 1972, with parents Corkey and Bob Wilson.
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Members of the Parkrose High School Dance Team, one of many youth groups benefiting from the event, serve strawberry shortcake, a crowd favorite. They are, from left, Brianna Jordan, Kayla Kennedy, Mia Heaslet, Keonna Ollison and Mia Kennedy.
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The Portland Parkrose Lions Club volunteers its time and effort every year, barbecuing enough chicken to feed 2,000 people. Not your everyday kitchen detail. Volunteers begin grilling hours before and right up to the start of the show. Their involvement has been — and continues to be — crucial to the success of the event. Pictured is a partier filling his plate with some of the plentiful food prepared by the Lions. All you can eat for $12 — such a deal. |
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Greg Pepper and Donna Susuki dance to the git-down sounds of the Last Rodeo Band inside the Rossi Barn. The barn gets converted from a successful neighborhood farm fresh produce vendor to a dance hall in three hours once every year.
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People come from miles around, from downtown and from down the street. It’s that kind of event. Enjoying themselves at the Ninth Annual Rossi Farms Barn Bash are, from left Carolyn Clark; Deanna, Margaret and Bill Bitar; Jerry and Gloria Auker. Seated is Teena Ainslie.
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| MEMO PHOTOS: TIM CURRAN |
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