Take a look at one of our favorite late-summer events – it provides real, old-fashioned family fun, with serious purpose. Look at all these colorful photos …
Nicole Fink, of the Alzheimer Association – she’s a Dolly Pop gal – and Vintage Carnival organizer, Krista Davis, welcome folks to their annual event.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Under beautiful blue skies, the warm late-summer temperature was perfect for the 5th Annual Vintage Carnival, put on by the staff Courtyard at Mount Tabor, with the help of dozens of good-hearted volunteers, a few weeks ago.
Krista Davis, the community relations director at the facility, said the idea came about when someone suggested setting up a carnival for their residents. “We turned it into a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association; it’s certainly a worthy cause.”
Stilt Walkers Chad Derosier and Amy Hatfield, affiliated with March Forth Marching Band, go to great heights to entertain visitors.
David Strand, the facility’s food service director, serves up hot dog lunches with the help of volunteers Dee Memering and Matthew Miner.
Many of the facility’s vendors pitch in, as do local businesses and community service organizations, to help make the event a success, Davis said.
“We really appreciate this event,” said Nicole Fink, with the Alzheimer Association. “I think it’s fantastic to see all these people here having a good time. And, all of the money raised here today will be turned in at the Alzheimer Association Memory Walk.”
“Diva & the Dixies” – a great “girl trio” – entertain with vintage tunes at the carnival.
The Activity Director at Courtyard at Mount Tabor, Danette Utley, checks the time – while hot dog eating champs Mark “Iron Gullet” Starr, Michael “Chestnut” Wiese, and Matt “Death-wagon” Dahlman race the clock, each trying to consume more wieners than the others. “Death-wagon” Dahlman won.
The event featured a row of carnival games, inexpensive food, and all kinds of live entertainment – from stilt walkers to live music, and a hot-dog eating contest. Too, the chic Dolly Pop Girls – a vintage-inspired group of dancers, choreographers, artists, and models – stopped by, and posed for photos with all who asked.
In all, $3,000 was raised at this year’s event, according to Merry Larsen, Community Relations Director for the Courtyard.
Although Davis recently took a position with another facility, organizers advise you to look for the 6th Annual Vintage Carnival next year at Courtyard at Mount Tabor. Check our Community Calendar – starting in August – for the date!
2010 Vintage Carnival
Photo Album
It doesn’t take long for Courtyard maintenance man Tracy James to get dunked in the tank.
Dolly Pops Tiffany Slottke, Melissa Sultan, Pearl Stokes, and (in front) little Scarlett Stokes, add a touch of vintage class and sass to the carnival.
© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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