Zenger ‘Hoedown’ highlights farm’s mission

See how much fun folks had ‘kicking up their heels’ at this year’s Zenger Farm Hoedown …

In the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood of outer East Portland, folks check in at the 2018 Zenger Farm Hoedown.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

A late afternoon and evening of fun and food greeted visitors to Zenger Farm on Saturday, July 21, as hundreds of families came to the fourth annual Hoedown.

In addition to farm tours and kids’ activities, guests enjoyed a picnic supper, with side dishes from New Seasons Markets.

The musical group Ants, Ants, Ants pauses for a photo after playing a set.

Zenger Farm Executive Director Mike Wenrick welcomes guests to the big family event of the year.

“This is a highlight of the summer for many of us, when as many as 500 guests to come out to celebrate another year in the life of Zenger Farm, during our Hoedown,” said Zenger Farm Executive Director Mike Wenrick.

“Thanks to the support of so many, this is where thousands of kids come for our educational programs; where adults learn from the dozens of workshops we hold, and the place where hundreds of families receive a season’s worth of vegetables through our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program,” Wenrick told East Portland News.

In the Beer & Cider Garden, featuring Hopworks Urban Brewery and Widmer Brothers Brewing, Zenger Farm board member Mary Frances Ritchie pours another cold one.

Guests avail themselves of the food buffet, part of the Hoedown celebration.

It’s a father-and-son moment over sausages for East Portland’s Teddy Keizer and son Lincoln.

“And, this evening, it’s where our friends come to eat, dance, enjoy ice cream, drink good beer, and come celebrate with us,” Wenrick added.

While it’s their big party of the season, Wenrick acknowledged, it’s also a fundraiser – thanks to major sponsors such as Concentrates, Beneficial State Bank, New Seasons Markets, Salt & Straw Ice Cream, and Dr. Brew Kombucha. “This, along with the proceeds from Hoedown ticket purchases, support education and food access.”

Guests make new friends, and enjoy their dinner, on the Zenger Farm Urban Grange porch.

Salt & Straw Ice Cream dessert artust Amber Hartman shows off a freshly made Zucchini & Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich with Freckled Woodblock Chocolate. (It was delicious!)

Looking forward, Wenrick mentioned their other major fundraiser, the “Farm-to-Table Chef Dinner” on November 2, featuring “Portland’s original rock star chefs” – Vitaly Paley, Cory Schreiber, and Michelle Vernier – who will prepare a three-course, fixed-menu dinner. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

“And, we’re ramping up to celebrate our 20^th anniversary in 2019!” enthused Wenrick.

Attracting bidders to the Silent Auction are gift packages including “Trail Blazer Ball”, “CSA In Style”, “Instant Gardener” and “Ice Cream Dream”.

To find out more about Zenger Farm, visit their official website: CLICK HERE – or, visit them at 11741 SE Foster Road, 97266.

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