Forest Grove Fall Festivities
Pacific University students and employees joined Forest Grove families and community members in celebrating the community this weekend.
On Saturday, likely one of the few warm, sunny days left in the fall, crowds turned out for one thing: the ground beneath their feet. Participants in the annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival created visions of beauty with stories, words and images chalked on the pavement.
A few students from Pacific described their art as a way to play with color and imagination. Others said their art was a way to inspire others, conveying messages about courage and love.
Kayla Bentley, who has participated in the event for the past few years, had been working on her drawing for about an hour when she shared her perspective.
“We all have our talents. It may take a while to discover them, but even when you do, there’s always ways to improve. I’m still learning.”
She also joined in the sharing of tips that flowed from artist to artist throughout the day: “Chalk is very forgiving. If you mess up, you can erase it very easily and start over. You can add things here and things there, add as much as you need until you get it just right.”
Though the colors will linger in Forest Grove for weeks, any of the designs were fading in the rain by Sunday afternoon, when another crowd flocked downtown for the Corn Roast at Pacific.
Despite the brisk temperature and wet air, the 49th annual event rolled on — and if you love corn, it was the place to be.
Visitors lined up for corn ears roasted by the local fire department, as well as burgers, sausages, sauerkraut and more.
But it wasn’t just about food; local businesses braved the weather to share their wares, too.
“The Corn Roast helps put on display the different businesses that are around here,” said Deborah Grimes, an independent Mary Kay beauty consultant. “There are a lot of people who do direct sale things, and it’s nice to have the opportunity to put that out there to the community.”
Acrylic Midnight Oils was there selling homemade perfumes, pain relievers and soap. Black Rabbit Designs by Christina Noel sold handmade jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, rings and even phone charms.
Becky Frederick’s Origami Owl sold fully customizable “living lockets,” in which you could tell any story you want.
“The Corn Roast was a really good way to bring community together,” said Leah Klaas ’17. “People were attracted to Pacific’s campus for the finely crafted local goods, delicious food and friendly atmosphere — even the gloom of the rain couldn’t dampen that.”