Potluck kicks off Holidays for ‘Historic Parkrose’

You’ll smile when you see the great time they had. And, learn about their first outdoor ‘Holiday Market’, coming up on December 14 …

Tight quarters don’t hinder this Historic Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative district pre-Holiday party.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Holiday season started in the northern area of outer East Portland on November 18, when the Historic Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative district held a pre-Thanksgiving Day event.

They’d reserved the Russellville Grange as the venue for the 6:00 p.m. party. But, unexpectedly, guests of a memorial service that started earlier in the afternoon made it clear they were extending their occupancy.

Why is Parkrose neighbor Kurt Luebkeman flashing a big smile? It’s because he’s looking at bowls of delicious food that awaits is tasting.

Without missing a beat, the throng caravanned over to the Historic Parkrose NPI office a few blocks away, at 11036 NE Sandy Boulevard, where some35 revelers put down their offerings, and picked up plates.

“We’ve come together to enjoy a community potluck,” explained Historic Parkrose Revitalization Manager Bridget Bayer with a smile. “It is bringing together the members of the community, business owners, neighbors and guests to have a meal together.”

The idea came up during a recent neighborhood association meeting, she said.

This get-together has no agenda; but does feature a lot of food for Parkrose locals to enjoy.

“We talked about what we’re going to do for this meeting, and I volunteered to prepare the turkey. The rest, as they say is history – everybody couldn’t wait to get together to eat together.

“We have been working really hard together on a lot of projects, and it’s kind of nice just hang out and visit in a meeting,” Bayer told East Portland News.

Even with folks tucked into every corner, nook, and cranny of the small office, no one seemed to mind, as they tucked into a toothsome-looking and delicious-smelling dinner.

Everyone smile! These folks do look happy to be enjoying a meal together, in the Historic Parkrose office.

Historic Parkrose Holiday Market scheduled for December 14

Shoppers are invited to stop by 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., on December 14.

“It’ll be an open-air Holiday Market, with no downtown Portland traffic to fight or parking to find,” Bayer said. “It features delightful and unique gifts. You’ll find arts vendors, DIY crafters and unique gifts created by Parkrose’s diverse immigrant community.”

The Parkrose High Debonaires are scheduled to perform, and the Sugar Plum Elves will entertain. Warm drinks and refreshments will be available.

You’ll find the market in the parking lot of Parkrose Hardware, 10625 NE Sandy Boulevard. For more information, see their official webpage: CLICK HERE.

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