Old-fashioned ice cream social bonds modern community

Take a look at one our favorite summertime events:
Sundae in the Sellwood Park …

International variety arts star Charlie Brown strikes a pose during his famous box juggling act during Sundae at the Park.

Liz Joffe says little Sophie Beck needs no help consuming her ice cream cone.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For many people, it would be enough that this event that provides 50-cent ice cream sundaes on a sunny, summer Sunday afternoon.

But the 27th annual “Sundae in the Park” offered even more, including world-class comedy and musical entertainers, crafts, and community service booths.

Event organizer Pamela Orser and MC Scrafford Orser welcome visitors to the annual event.

“We spend a lot of time putting this together,” said organizer Pamela Orser, at the August 5 event.

“In times like this, when we can be so easily become ‘detached’ from our neighbors, community events like this help draw people together,” Orser reflected. “It’s more important now than ever, for us to have a sense of belonging. When people feel like they belong, they care about their neighborhood.”

Bolley Quast says fifty cents is a small price to say while making his donation to Rotarian volunteer Patrick Cowles.

Stepping up to the ice cream table is Andrew Morelock; Louis Morelock is careful with his dish, he’s using both hands!

The weather was threatening rain on the morning of the event, but as the sun came out, Sellwood Park filled with neighbors dining on chili dogs, free popcorn, and cheap ice cream cones and sundaes. Orser estimated that more than 1,500 people attended the event.

“All I can say is ‘hats off to our volunteers’ for all they’ve done,” Orser said, commending the 200 helpers who make the event possible. She also gave high praise to the sponsors: the Sellwood-Moreland Improvement LeaguE (SMILE) neighborhood association, the SE Portland Rotary Club, Umpqua Dairy, and The Joinery.

Cooking hot dogs on behalf of Loaves & Fishes are volunteers Brian Darby and Michael James.

Jason Shaw watches as Kara Juarez help steady Maresa Juarez as she tries walking on stilts.

Listeners agree no one plays great jazz tunes better than “Tall Jazz”. If you could have heard them as we took the photo, the song being played was “On Blue Dolphin Street”.

From the toddlers to codgers, everyone said they look forward to this great community event, year after year.

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