Discover what happened when the fun folks of the Gateway Area Business Association helped Parkview Christian Retirement Community put on this fine Saturday event …
Lots of cars turned out for the annual Cruise-in – and many owners took home these fine trophies.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Continuing a tradition of holding a “National Night Out” celebration on the Saturday following the “official” night, Gateway area residents were treated to an expanded festival on August 14.
It was held on the campus of Parkview Christian Retirement Community – formerly known as Oregon Baptist Retirement Homes – and included participation by members of the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA).
Event organizer Lou Fontana, who is with Parkview Christian Retirement Community, says it all started with a small cruise-in event several years ago.
“Welcome to our National Night Out and Fun-O-Rama for 2009,” greeted Lou Fontana, of Parkview Christian Retirement Community. “We’ve got a great Cruise-in going on – with more than 50 great vehicles – and a live band, barbecue, and fun games for the kids to play.”
This year, Fontana told us, they invited GABA to join them in their celebration. “In addition to getting neighbors together to celebrate the spirit of ‘National Night Out against Crime’, we’re also giving them the opportunity to meet people from our local businesses, and community organizations.”
Carl Stein, who is with Evergreen Ohana Mortgage, tries to keep rowdy GABA Keystone Kop Brad Sanchez (of Realty Brokers) in check, as does GABA president, AJ Prasad (who is with Columbia State Bank).
AJ Prasad, Manager of Columbia State Bank and GABA’s President, added, “We missed having our Gateway Parade this year, but we’re holding the Fun-O-Rama Community Fair here, in conjunction with the ‘National Night Out’ event.”
“The main thing,” Fontana said, “is that we all get together in the spirit of community, and have some fun.”
Gateway National Night Out Photo Album
Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz is flanked by Linda Robinson, representing the Gateway Green Project, and Arlene Kimura, Chair of the Hazelwood Neighborhood Association.
Donna Beaudine, vocal stylist with The Stingrays rock-n-roll band, soulfully sings another classic tune.
One of the many Gateway Fun-O-Rama Fair participants, Kevin “Not Your Ordinary Bean-Counter” Minkoff, CPA, gave prizes to those who guessed the number of jellybeans in the jar.
James and Sara Brown, of Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes, cook and serve a big batch of burgers and hot dogs at the event.
Both miniature golf, and the Big Bounce House, provide hours of fun for young visitors to the event.
As seen on our “front page”, GABA Keystone Kop Brad Sanchez (of Realty Brokers) guards the valuable cars on display at the Gateway Cruise-in.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News