Family Oktoberfest delights in Russell

Here’s how this now-annual event provided an Oktoberfest experience, in the Russell neighborhood. PS –They’re holding a Craft Fair on Saturday …

At the Parkrose Community United Church of Christ in outer East Portland, their annual Oktoberfest celebration gets underway in the Russell neighborhood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

With rainstorms threatening all day, organizers of the Parkrose Community United Church of Christ Oktoberfest wondered if the party would have to be moved inside their community hall, on October 6.

However, the clouds cleared, and the sun warmed their patio, as their third annual Oktoberfest got underway.

Both of them dressed in their finest lederhosen, church member and neighbor Ron Glanville sells raffle tickets, whilst standing with Pastor Don Frueh.

“Here, we celebrate the season, have German food, enjoy German music, and have beverages provided by Gateway Brewing, who has been with us from the start,” remarked the church’s Pastor Don Frueh.

“This has really grown over the years, and because of the weather there are not that many people dining outside today, but we have a very full hall inside our community center,” Frueh told East Portland News.

The Community Hall is filled with diners, enjoying the Oktoberfest celebration.

“This has become a great way for neighbors to meet other neighbors in the neighborhood; and, at the same time, to introduce our church to area residents,” commented Frueh.

All of the proceeds go to support the church’s ministries, he said – including their Community Garden, now managed by Portland Parks & Recreation on their church’s property, and their Community Orchard.

Working the beer tap is Joel Sheley, Head Brewer at Gateway Brewing.

“A lot of the food grown here [in the Community Garden] is donated to SnowCap Community Charities,” Frueh mentioned.

Funds, and food from their garden, also support their weekly “Community Dinners”, to which all are invited – a program started during the years in which a portion of their campus served as a homeless shelter.

Helping feed the hungry celebrants, here’s sausage grill chef Sausage cooker Jerome Harden.

“The theme of our church is ‘community’; so our doors are open because Jesus did not say to bring the world into the church, but instead, bring to those in the world, the church,” observed Frueh.

Crafter’s Fair November 3
Coming up this weekend is their “Crafter’s Bazaar” from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. They’re inviting the community to shop from among their many vendors, buy baked goods, and enjoy the other tasty food concessions.

The Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, located at 12505 NE Halsey Street, 97220 – just east of the BiMart. To see their official website: CLICK HERE.

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