Portland Adventist Community Services held its third annual Fall Festival at Rossi Farm's red barn, a well-known landmark in east Portland, on Oct. 6, 2024.
The location was chosen intentionally, positioned less than 2 miles from PACS, to better reach the surrounding community. The PACS Fall Festival is the only event of its kind on Portland’s east side.
That Sunday began bright and clear. In Portland, that is a huge blessing when planning an outdoor event in October. Management, later staff and more than 70 dedicated volunteers arrived to set up and help for the day. The excitement was palpable.
Following Christ's example, PACS aims to nourish the mind, body and spirit while fostering dignity among those they serve. They do this through the food pantry, dental services and low-cost items in the thrift clothing and home goods stores. At the festival, they nourished the minds, bodies and souls of everyone who attended.
There were fun activities for every age group. Curly the camel was the star attraction of the petting zoo. Bounce houses, fall arts and crafts, the Great Bubble Show, caricature drawings and face painting all added to the fun. The axe throwing, Oregon Cave Maze and climbing wall were inviting for the more daring. Of course, everyone had to smile at the photo booth.
Food carts added more Portland flavor to the mix. PACS thrift store staff curated a high-quality, stylish fall gallery that attendees could shop. Some vendors even gave discounts, acknowledging PACS' impact on the community.
In the evening, PACS held their annual award dinner in the barn. The Directors Award was given to Donna Cavanaugh, a recently retired, long-serving PACS volunteer. PACS depends on community-loving volunteers like Cavanaugh to carry out their mission.
Since the pandemic, the number of people who need help has increased significantly. Birch Community Services has been a significant food provider. About a third of the food PACS receives for distribution comes from Birch. With their help, PACS can help many people. They deservedly received the Barbara Nelson Excellence Award.
Robert Hoffman, PACS supporter, later expressed his thoughts on the event: "I've been around PACS since 2008, but have never felt the spirit of inclusiveness as strongly as is present today."
W. Derrick Lea, North American Division ACS executive director who also was in attendance shared that, "PACS embodies the mission of ACS serving the community in Christ's name, every day!" These words offer encouragement as PACS continues its mission in the Portland community.
Curly the Camel is a local star and always a big hit at the PACS Fall Festival petting zoo!
Sam Pellecer stands ready to welcome festival attendees to Rossi Farms.
Young festival attendees model their fancy hats.
The Great Bubble Show provides great fun for young festival goers.
Once again the caricature artist was kept busy as young and old alike stepped up to have their likeness recorded.
