Oregon

 The Family Fun Zone at Luis Palau’s Portland Cityfest had kids of all ages jumping for joy, and for Jesus.  Children packed in front of the stage to dance the day away with Bob the Tomato, and Larry the Cucumber from the Veggie Tales.  The show wasn’t over with the singing produce; Ventriloquist Mark Thompson filled the air with hilarious jokes and full-belly laughter while teaching children about Jesus. 

The Family Fun Zone was filled with games, inflatables for bouncing, activity tents, a Guitar Hero demo tent, a Dance Dance Revolution competition, and even a camel for the kiddos to pet from biblezoo.org, a farm for broken, abused, and orphaned children.  Bob and Larry were seen around the grounds doing meet and greets so the kids could get up close to the stars.

This event, brought together by Luis Palau, and held together by sponsors and volunteers, was completely free to all who came, and entirely wholesome.  The food was the only thing that required any money, but with all of the activities and art projects free to the kids, it was hardly a drain on the wallet to take them down. 

 After carefully interviewing kids attending the event, it gets a “thumbs way up”

 This Friday and Saturday, August 22-23 2008, the Portland Waterfront will be packed full of people excited to experience Louis Palau’s Portland Cityfest 2008.   The theme of this year’s event is ‘The Season of Service.’ 

Included in the events will be the Family Fun Zone from 2-6 pm both days featuring performances Bob and Larry from the Veggie Tails and ventriloquist Mark Thompson.

Skateboards, BMX team riders, and freestyle motocross pros will be tearing it up in the Livin It Action Sports demos at 2:00 and 3:45.

When the five O’clock hour hits, the main stage performances will begin. 

Friday’s performers are City Prazye, Phil Stacey, and Kirk Franklin.  At 7:20 Luis Palau hits the stage sharing his message with the world, then Kutless and Chris Tomlin end the night. 

Saturday’s main stage line-up starts with Marisol, followed by Hawk nelson and Mercy Me.  At 7:15 Luis Palau again takes the stage followed by the headliner, TobyMac.

This event is free to all.  For more information, goto http://www.portlandcityfest.com.

 Even though fall doesn’t officially begin until September 22, 2008, one can’t help but notice the changes going on around town.  As we harvest our gardens and enjoy the spoils of our labor, we notice our plants growing weaker and wearier from the energy it took to redden the tomatoes, or finish the brilliant color of the corn.  We know soon we’ll be laying them to rest, and preparing for another year gone. 

The apples and pears are nearing completion, exquisitely showing off their reds, yellows, and greens.  Grapes are getting fat on the vine, deepening in color and readiness.  Sunflowers are beginning to droop, full of seed.  Tomatoes are juicy and sweet. 

Glancing around during an evening stroll, one notices the darkness creeping in a little earlier every night.  It’s darker every morning when you start your car for work.  It’s chilly at night, and the windows fog up in the morning. 

*Picture taken in Gresham, Oregon on the afternoon of 8/17/08

No matter what you do, fall is gripping the tail end of summer like a lion taking down a gazelle.  We pretend it’s not happening, not yet, but then we notice something in the trees.  Can it be?  Yes, it is.  They are changing color.  Enjoy the end of the summer, because before we know it, the rain will come again.

Long past are the days of the All-American drive up restaurant…until now.  Ashley’s All American A & W is having its Grand Opening.  Located at 31265 SE Highway 26 in Boring, Oregon, Ashley’s All American A & W restaurant has everything you’re looking for and more.  The menu is packed with American favorites such as deluxe cheese burgers, Coney dogs, and even the famous A & W root beer float. 

Pull up to the order boxes, and call in your order when you’re ready, and let the girls on roller skates take care of the rest, just like the car hops from the fifties.  They even hang the tray from your window like they did in the good-old days. 

No time for dining in the comfort of your car?  Ashley’s All American A & W also has a drive through so you can speed your way through and barrel on down the road.

How’s the food?  The burgers are made fresh, and the chili cheese fries are amazing, but the star of the show as always is the old fashioned A & W Root Beer Float.

For more information, call (503)-663-5901

On Tuesday, August 5^th, Gresham, Oregon’s 2008 National Night Out, held at Gresham High School was a huge success.  53 different vendors came together to teach the community about safety, community resources, the environment, and education.Gresham Police and Gresham Fire Honor Guards raised the American Flag at 6:30 for the opening ceremonies.  Free hot dogs, lemonade, and ice cream were served to everyone who came.  Gresham Police gave demonstrations to excited onlookers with the prestigious K-9 officers.  Kids enjoyed a barrage of activities from getting fitted for bicycle helmets, making crafts, and a free self defense demonstration by Satori Academy.  People were allowed to get up close and personal with different vehicles used by the Gresham Police Department and the Gresham Fire Department.  People learned how to make their neighborhoods safer, and even how to start a neighborhood watch in their community.