Community enjoys ‘movie night’ at Rossi Farms

Take a look, and you’ll see why so many families look forward to this outer East Portland end-of-summer tradition in Parkrose …

Families come from all over to enjoy another Rossi Farms Movie Night.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The weekend after kids began easing back into their school routines, families know it’s time to head to Rossi Farms for their annual “Movie Night”.

This year, it was September 9 when this legendary family farm sprang to life as a community gathering place. The scent of hot dogs grilling filled the mid-County air, as did the smell of freshly-popped popcorn.

Hot dog chef and perennial volunteer Mark Gardener tends these “red-hots” roasting on the grill.

Hosts Amelia Salvador and Joe Rossi welcome guests to Movie Night.

“I always get excited when it’s time for our Movie Night again,” host Joe Rossi told East Portland News.

“The ‘Barn Bash’ is our annual ‘over 21’ adult event,” Rossi added. “We like to balance it out, and treat all the families in the community, especially on this back-to-school weekend.”

-4 Stan Griffith, proprietor of Old Fashioned Caramel Corn, pops fresh corn for Movie Night.

Luke Shepard of Umpqua Bank gives folks ice cream treats.

Part of what makes it an honest-to-goodness family event, Rossi pointed out, is that they make the evening very affordable by provide inexpensive dinners. “And, ‘Stan, the Popcorn Man’ is providing free corn, we’re giving guests apples from Kiyokawa Orchards, and Umpqua Bank is giving away ice cream.”

The Turkey Creek Desperados saunter into old Parkrose, ready to liven up the place.

This, in addition to a live “Wild West Show” by the Turkey Creek Desperados – and a free outdoor movie – added up to a delightful Saturday evening.

Rossi said he couldn’t take credit for the beautiful summer-like weather, “But, I’m sure thankful for it. We’re having a great time tonight.”

At dusk, the family-oriented animated feature, “Ratatouille” unreeled, charming the audience with this story about a rat who helps a cook become a famous chef.

Folks waste no time picking their spots, in front of Rossi’s outdoor movie screen, for the evening’s motion picture presentation.

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