‘Freedom Festival’ hosted by VFW Post in Lents

Here’s an event the provided lots of fun and activities in outer East Portland for all who attended. And, find out when you can buy a tasty Sunday breakfast at their Post …

It’s a day of family fun at VFW Post 4248 in the Lents neighborhood, at their “Freedom Festival”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

A new family-oriented event took place on Sunday afternoon, August 17, in the Lents neighborhood – when Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4248 hosted their first-ever “Freedom Festival” on the campus of an allied organization, American Legion Oregon Trail Post 150.

Guests savored free Otto’s Sausage Kitchen brats and hot dogs, received balloon animals, were amused by the antics of magic clowns, and enjoyed karaoke music and games.

At the grill, it’s VFW Post Chaplin Jay Agler — grilling hot dogs and sausages along with Post Commander Sherry Ploor.

“This is both an event we created to celebrate our community, and a fundraiser for our Post,” VFW Post 4248 Commander Sherry Ploor explained.

“We’ve named it the ‘Freedom Festival’ because we’re sharing the joy of celebrating our freedoms,” Ploor told East Portland News.

Magic clowns Cliff “Maverick the Clown” Taylor, and Ron “Ace the Clown” Fryer, entertain kids and adults.

Here offering raffle tickets are volunteers Angela Sherman and Sarah Sherman.

“People in our VFW Auxiliary suggested the name for the event,” Ploor continued. “And, ‘freedom’ is all about what we’ve done in military service, and it’s what we do is for veterans.”

Emotionally moved when describing the VFW’s mission, Ploor paused for a moment to regain her composure. “Serving for 30 years in the Navy, as a diesel mechanic, drives me to do my best to help our veterans.”

With that, Commander Ploor went back to the business of grilling sausages and serving them to guests.

Keaton takes control of a water line hose, and squirts water down the street – with the help of Portland Fire & Rescue Lents Station 11 Engine Company Captain Lee Etten.

It wouldn’t be a VFW event without a game of Bingo! Calling the numbers is volunteer Danny Case.

Come for breakfast on September 21

By the way, VFW Post 4248 Auxiliary serves great breakfasts one Sunday morning every month, hosted by the Lents Neighborhood Livability Association.

Their September Special is the Denver Omelet Meal, including coffee and juice, with your choice of pancakes or toast, for $11 each. Or, for ten bucks, get a hearty serving of bacon, eggs, potatoes, toast, juice and coffee – or, unlimited pancakes.

This month it’s from 9 until 11 a.m. on September 21st, at the American Legion Hall – 8329 SE 89th Avenue, 97266

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