Centennial neighbors celebrate with ‘Concert in the Park’

Take a look at this large turnout at this Centennial Community Association concert, held in outer East Portland …

In the Centennial Community Group neighborhood, residents bring chairs, blankets and suppers to their outer East Portland summertime “Concert in the Park”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The grassy area, just west of the playground in Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park, was filled with folks seated on blankets and in lawn chairs on Saturday evening, August 3rd, to enjoy their neighborhood’s “Concert in the Park”.

Presented by Portland Parks & Recreation, and sponsored by the Centennial Community Association, Thrive East PDX, and the Midway Business Association, the concert featured Barrio Mestizo performing lively classic and contemporary salsa, cumbia, and “cha cha cha” music.

At their booth we found Centennial Community Group Secretary Sherry Willmschen and Board President David Linn.

“We’re so pleased to see this turnout of our neighbors,” observed Centennial Community Group Chair David Linn, who is also a Centennial School District Board Member.

“It’s important to bring positive events to the community. Oftentimes we just hear about the negatives, and things that people don’t like about the community. So, that’s why it’s really important to build community in a positive way,” Linn told East Portland News.

Neighbors have the opportunity to visit with representatives of many local organizations before, during, and after the concert.

Representing the Midway Business Association at the concert are its President Andy Aimone with Lifestyle Property Group, artist Hampton Rodriguez, MBA District Manager Laura Martinez, and April Cook of Octapharma.

“Events like this concert in the park – along with our partners bringing information about services, organizations and companies in our area that we all share – all help bring the community together, and assist people to feel more like neighbors,” said Linn.

Having a fun and creative time at Free Arts NW Mobile Arts Studio are Centennial residents Payton and Adam Neely.

“It’s good when we see a more positive outlook in the community and how residents interact with each other,” concluded Linn.

Serving hot food from at the concession stand is Raul Cruz, from 100 Tacos PDX.

It’s Barrio Mestizo, entertaining the audience in this outdoor concert.

And the band played on – to the delight of the audience.

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