Woodstock Family Picnic packs park

Food, fun and friendship are the elements that drew hundreds of inner Southeast Portland families to Woodstock Park for a picture perfect afternoon of frivolity ‚Ä¶

A walkway through Woodstock Park turned into a festival center, featuring booths set up by area restaurants, merchants, service businesses, and community service groups.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In 2005, neighbors in the Woodstock area were disappointed because the annual “Woodstock Festival” street fair didn’t take place.

“Our neighborhood association decided we wanted to do something,” said Ruthann Bedenkop, chair of last year’s event, and volunteer this year. “So, we created the Woodstock Family Picnic.”

Even though this year’s revived Woodstock Festival was a success in July, the August Family Picnic was “even better than last year. We have the same amount of booths, and great attendance,” Bedenkop said.

Folks who came out were treated to old-fashioned fun — like a cakewalk, martial arts demonstrations, and a whole day of great live music.

“Our neighborhood association feels it is important for people to come out and meet one another. Also, as an association, we want to give back to the community,” Bedenkop explained. “Working with lots of volunteers and businesses, together, we’ve created an event of which we’re all proud.”

The estimated attendance for the August 19 event was pegged at 1,000. “Watch for our date next year,” Bedenkop concluded, “We definitely want to do it again next year!”

Woodstock Family Picnic Photo Album

The cake they won at the picnic’s Cake Walk didn’t last long! Elliott Gareau, Kathleen Burns, Karynne Gareau and their friends made quick work of it!

When it came to fresh, hot, tubular treats, Dave Braman of Otto’s Sausages was busy serving ’em up, fresh off the barbecue.

Courtney Ford, Dawn Fillasen and Kailee Ford are having crafty fun at the Portland Parks and Recreation booth.

Jeff and Eileen Walter, known as the early American music duo, “Extra Measure”, play for the Woodstock Family Picnic. “I teach the fiddle,” Eileen says. “It’s like learning the violin, except more fun.”

Keeping cool on a warm day, while entertaining picnic-goers at the dunk tank, is picnic volunteer Eric Hupp.

Are Prudence and Ronan Leith getting a treat from Carman Miranda? Nope ‚Äì it’s Anna Zimmerman from Island Creamery.

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