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Lebanon Express, Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Welcome to the Show off your creative skills 103rd annual Strawberry Festival! The Lebanon Strawberry Festival brings out the best in Lebanon. This year, the festival begins on Thursday, May 31, and runs through June 3. The four-day celebration has many opportunities for friends and families to gather and have a good time. People come into the community for the weekend to enjoy the festivities, and of course, for the free strawberry shortcake. Organizations and nonprofits spend countless hours preparing floats for the Grand Parade, which will begin its march down Main Street from the River Center at 11 a.m. on June 2. This year’s theme is Strawberries Around the World. Service club members serve breakfasts, lunches and dinners to raise money for philanthropic endeavors throughout the year. Read more about the events going on during the festival in this special section, dedicated to all things Strawberry Festival. Also, read more about the Strawberrians and each princess. This year is particularly exciting for the Lebanon Express staff, as the newspaper is celebrating its 125th anniversary. We’re honored to have been part of the Lebanon community for so many years, and look forward to the next 125 years. As part of the celebrations, the Express has assembled a float for the Grand Parade — a working newsroom surrounded by strawberries (of course). Clocks represent various time zones from around the world, keeping with the theme. From parade set-up, through the parade route, and even during the early afternoon at the festival fairgrounds, the Lebanon Express staff will live blog the events. Join the fun on your mobile device by scanning the QR Code, or at www.LebanonExpress.com/liveblog; or on your tablet or personal computer at www.LebanonExpress.com. — EMILY MENTZER, EDITOR FOR THE LEBANON EXPRESS
This special section, dedicated to the Lebanon Strawberry Festival, was produced by the Lebanon Staff: editor Emily Mentzer, reporter Matt DeBow, reporter Audrey Gomez, reporter Jake Rosenberg, reporter A.K. Dugan and office coordinator Debby Bowles.
of flower show rules and categories. Entries will be accepted from 7 to 9 p.m. May 31 and from 7 to 9 a.m. June 1 at the annex. Judging begins at 10 a.m. on June 1. For more information, call Elsie at 541-154-2345.
The Lebanon Garden Club is hosting the annual flower, quilt and art show, a perennial event at the festival. The show is free and open to the public from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on June 1 and from noon to 4:30 p.m. on June 2 at the annex to the Evangelical Church of Lebanon, 75 E. Ash St. In the spirit of this year’s “Strawberries Around the World” festival theme, the garden club added some translations to the flower and art show program: fraise, fragola, fresa. A strawberry by any other name is still delicious. Copies of the program are available at the Lebanon Express or online at basonsigns.com//2012%20Flower% 20Show%20Schedule.pdf.
The Lebanon Garden Club is hosting a workshop for kids at 4 p.m. on May 31 at the show location. Kids may enter their creations in the youth design competition at the show. The classes for three different age groups are: Hans Christian Anderson, Aladdin and Disney World. For more information, call Yvonne Castillo 425-343-5827.
Enter the flower show
Enter the quilt show
See the program for a complete list
Workshop for kids
A peoples’ choice award will be
presented in the following categories: Heritage quilt, contemporary quilt and traditional. Entries for the quilt show will be accepted from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 31 at the annex. For more information, call Peggy at 541-481-4910.
Enter the art show
Artists may submit paintings, drawings, photography and sculpture for the nonjuried show. A youth category is open to Linn County students in grades four through 12. Entries for the art show will be accepted from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 31 at the annex. For more information, call the Linn County Arts Guild at 541-4970386.
Start the day optimistically with breakfast at Bing’s parking lot Pancakes, eggs and ham are on the menu for the Lebanon Optimist Club’s a n n u a l S t rawb e r r y Breakfast. It will be served from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. on S a t u r d a y, June 2, in the Bing’s Kitchen parking lot, at the corner of Walker Road and South Santiam Highway. “All hands will be on board,” said club member Lynda Palmer. The club’s 38 members signed up
for shifts, starting with Friday night set-up and continuing through Saturday afterbreakfast clean-up. Palmer said this will be her family’s 13th Strawberry Festival. They attended their first just before her daughter Haylie turned 1 year old. “I don’t think we’ve missed the parade since,” Palmer said. Breakfast costs $6 for adults and $3 for children younger than 12. All proceeds go to programs and activities
The cover photo of the Strawberry Princesses was taken at River Park by Albany Democrat Herald photographer David Patton. The cover was designed by MJ Stalnaker.
for Lebanon youth. For more information, call Doug Phillips at 541-451-4000.
The Legion also serves a breakfast during the festival The American Legion will host a breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 31, at 480 S. Main St. in Lebanon. The breakfast includes eggs, bacon, biscuits, gravy and french toast for $5. For more information, call 541451-1351.
Lebanon Express, Wednesday, May 23, 2012
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Grand Marshals roll in style
AUDREY GOMEZ/LEBANON EXPRESS
The Rollin’ Oldies car club frequently add pizazz to local fundraisers and events. Here, the club participates in the “No Limits” fundraiser at the Lebanon High School on May 12. By Emily Mentzer LEBANON EXPRESS The Rollin’ Oldies car club will lead the Grand Parade this year as Grand Marshals, honoring one of its founders, Harry Carter. “I think Harry would be elated,” said Carol Carter, Harry’s wife. “He would be humbled, surprised and amazed,” Wanda Frenzel, Harry’s sister added. The club and Harry were chosen for a number of reasons. “One of the most notable contributions Harry and
the Rollin’ Oldies have made to the festival has been providing the convertibles for the dignitaries in the parade,” said Bobbi Birch, chair for the Grand Parade. “They also raise money for the Make-aWish Foundation, and a scholarship, and they bring in people from all over to their car shows.” The club does a lot for the community, Shelly Garrett said. “Everyone who has an event and wants to add pizzazz to it invites the Rollin’ Oldies,” she said. “They’re always fun. They’re just
good folks and they love old cars.” She is not a member of the club herself, but her husband is. “I’m so happy they made them the grand marshals,” Garrett said. The club is unique from other car clubs in that it is for car enthusiasts and collectors. “Even if you didn’t have a
car, you had to have an The Rollin’ Oldies car interest in cars,” said Carol shows differ from other Peck, who, with her hus- clubs’ shows because club band Mike, helped Harry members don’t win trofound the club about 20 phies, Garrett said. years ago. “The youngest “They want other cars to car we would allow is 1970.” win prizes,” she said. Whereas other clubs have “People come from outside specific requirements of the area, which is a great cars before accepting a boon to the tourism, because m e m b e r, they have a the Rollin’ chance to Oldies will “(Harry Carter) loved win a troe m b r a c e his community .... phy.” any car, as Trophies long as it’s Lebanon held his are tradiold enough. heart. He moved away t i o n a l l y The club sponsored s u p p o r t s a couple of times, but by local many charbusinesses, ities, from he always managed to and the toy drives to get back to Lebanon.” club takes scholarextra care ships for — Carol Carter t o local youth. a c k n owl “The club edge those has one or two $500 schol- contributions, Carol Peck arships to Linn-Benton said. Community College for any “We wanted it to be a automotive field,” Mike Lebanon club, to shop Peck said. “They’ve always Lebanon, support our mergot a motion on the floor to chants, that’s why we donate $50 or $100 or $200 wanted them to get credit to something, the high for that,” she said. “Shop school choir or something Lebanon first.” in the community. And we The Filling Station used always vote yes on it.” to provide a shuttle service Each year, the club hosts from River Park to downa Fifties in the Fall cruise in town for wives during the at River Park. car show, Carol Peck said.
“One year we printed a bunch of menus from restaurants in town and included them in the packets when people registered their cars, so if they didn’t want to eat at the park, they could go into town,” Mike Peck said. The club has always been family-friendly, she added. To encourage an atmosphere where kids were welcomed, Harry initiated a no-alcohol policy at all club events, Mike Peck said. “We all like to sit and have a cold one once in a while, but Harry said, ‘let’s do that after the meetings, after the kids have gone home,’” Mike Peck said. “And Harry never missed a beer that I know of.” The club has not only been a big promoter of the Strawberry Grand Parade, but also of the Albany Veterans Parade. “They have carried various VIPs for the veterans in Albany,” Carol Peck said. “We have a number of older wartime-type vehicles.” One of those is a 1947 Willy’s Jeep, owned by the Pecks. “We want our grandson to drive the Jeep (in the ■ See Rollin’, Page 7
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Lebanon Express, Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Princess Katie wants to advocate for timber Princess Katie Latimer, 17, is the daughter of Dale and Kris Latimer. She has no siblings. Her first memory of the Strawberry Festival was of “driving my kiddie jeep in the Junior Parade,” she said. “I think I was 4.” Later the carnival got her attention, though at first she was too scared to go on any of the rides. “I got over that,” she said. She’s looking forward to going to parades. “I need to practice my wave,” she said. She’s always felt a sense of pride for where she lives. Being on the court is “the best way for a person my age to get involved and represent my community in a positive way,” she said. She has always thought Lebanon a great place to live and grow up, and wants to raise a family in a place like Lebanon. Though an only child, she has a large extended family of grandparents, greatuncles and great-aunts and their families. “My parents appreciate that,” she said. “There’s always other eyes on me.” That extended family has been so involved in her life that they take the place of more immediate family. “I’m really grateful for my family,” she said. “They taught me what’s important: You need to put God first. Hard work will always pay off.” Katie is a senior at East Linn Christian Academy, where she is student body treasurer. She played varsity volleyball for four years and golf for one year; and sang in the choir for four years and advanced vocal ensemble for three years. She entered ELCA in the seventh grade after attending St. Mary’s Academy in Albany. Employed at Papa
“You need to put God first. Hard work will always pay off.”
MATT DEBOW/LEBANON EXPRESS
Princess Katie Latimer signs an autograph for Aidan Gates, 8, at Hamilton Creek School on April 26. Murphy’s Pizza for the past three years, she also spent a summer on a straw baler for Koos Farms and two summers selling cherries from a highway stand for MidWillamette Farms. As a volunteer, she was “heavily involved” in last year’s Cheadle Challenge Adventure Run — her mom was chair of the event — and was a hostess at the door of a SafeHaven casino night. Asked what people should know about the kind of person she is, Katie was hesitant about how to answer, but acknowledged she smiles a lot and is friendly, then said, “I’m a hard worker.” When not at school or working, she likes to play
volleyball, read, play piano and hang out with friends and family. Katie played libero on an Albany club volleyball team for five years. She’s had 11 years of piano lessons.
She and her friends hang out, watch movies and chat. She attends Christ Community Lutheran Church in Lebanon. She has traveled in the
Northwest and to California on family vacations and with the club volleyball team.
Disneyland stands out as a favorite destination. Last September, she and her mom ran in a half marathon there. Katie has been accepted into Oregon State University, where she plans to major in forest management and political science. She wants to be an advocate for the timber industry. That goal comes from paying attention to conversations with her family. Her dad and grandfather Bill Latimer have always been involved in trucking, and Bill managed mills and trucks for Willamette Industries for 30 years, she said. She inherited her passion for rural advocacy and rural towns from her mother, she said. “I think more young people need to get involved,” she said.
Lebanon Express, Wednesday, May 23, 2012
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Princess Tanea headed toward nursing Tanea Lawler’s final year and the same goals, so at Lebanon High School has everything ran really been just as busy as her first smoothly.” three, but the senior has Hannah Silverman was been forced to give up many one of those fellow seniors, of her favorite activities to and the two remain close make time for new oppor- friends as Strawberry tunities. Princess counterparts. With her job at the new “Me and Hannah have LimeBerry frozen yogurt played basketball together cafe, Tanea missed out in since the beginning, so it the fall with the Warriors was really special for us,” cross country team, and she Tanea said. “We’re both is now supporting her for- pretty busy with all of our mer track and field team- other things going on, but mates from the sideline we’re still really close.” after being named a Tanea is also a part of Strawberry other local Princess. g r o u p s D e s p i t e “One of the princess- i n c l u d i n g her limited es came and sat next STARS, the free time, National T a n e a to me in class one H o n o r s refused to Society, LHS give up day, and ever since school leadbasketball then, I looked up ership and — a sport the Boys & she began and idolized them. Girls Club. p l a y i n g Now it’s my turn to At the club, after movTanea has led ing in 1998, be a role model for another team to Lebanon as a youth f r o m the kids.” volleyball Klamath coach for the Falls with her mother last two years. That experiCheryl Brant. ence has reminded her of Her efforts paid off as she the importance of being a was one of three seniors to role model. help the Warriors set a “They just idolize me, school-record 23 wins in and listen to everything I route to the varsity pro- say. That shows how I can gram’s first ever state tour- be such a good influence nament appearance. and help them with smart “To be a part of that team decisions,” Tanea said. was so amazing,” Tanea “And being a princess helps said. “All of us were so even more with that.” closely bonded, and we still Tanea has wanted to be a are. We had great chemistry Strawberry Princess since
Don’t forget to pick up a Lebanon Express after the festival Pick up a copy of the Lebanon Express on June 6 for full coverage of the festival events. Visit us online at www.Lebanon-Express.com. See Page 2 for the QR Code to follow our live blog of the festival and Grand Parade on June 2. Subscribe to the Express online for just $24 a year, or $35 per year for those who live outside of Linn County.
her second-grade year at Cascades School when some of that year’s candidates came to her class. “One of the princesses came and sat next to me in class one day, and ever since then, I looked up and idolized them,” Tanea said. “Now it’s my turn to be a role model for the kids.” The 2012 queen hopeful continues to work on her own studies at LHS before moving on to Oregon State University in the fall. Math has always come easy for Tanea, and it remains one of her favorite subjects, but she plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology before eventually working her way into the nursing field. In her first year of college, Tanea also hopes to pick up distance running again while training for the Disneyland half marathon in September of 2013. “It was kind of sad not doing track or cross country this year,” Tanea said. “I’ll be working a lot to keep in shape for the half marathon though. I’m not fast, but I can run far.” Running around the state with her fellow princesses, however, has been Tanea’s favorite princess activity so far. “Being a part of the Strawberry Festival has been so rewarding to me in many ways, but my favorite part has been the parades,”
MATT DEBOW/LEBANON EXPRESS
Princess Tanea Lawler visits with youngsters at Hamilton Creek School on April 26. said Tanea, noting a parade in Newport on May 5. “Everyone is waving and so happy. It’s so awesome meeting new people in other communities and just seeing how welcoming they have been.” Tanea says being named queen of her own community would be the cherry on top of a very special experience. “It would be so great,” Tanea added. “Just knowing that they picked me to
represent all of us in the community would be the
most rewarding experience of all.”
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Lebanon Express, Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Lebanon Express, Wednesday, May 23, 2012
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Strawberrians: Lebanon’s ambassadors of goodwill By A.K. Dugan LEBANON EXPRESS
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
John Pham, D.O., sports his new Strawberrian red jacket at the Distinguished Service Awards on March 13. Pham is holding the two awards presented to the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest that evening.
The Strawberrians — men and women who are most visible during the Strawberry Festival as escorts for the Strawberry Festival Court — began in 1969 as the Royal Order of the Golden Strawberry. The idea for the organization came from the late Derwood Smith, owner of Smith’s Furniture Store, and Jim McDaniel, the only remaining founding member. They decided Lebanon needed a group of men (it was 1969!) to be ambassadors of goodwill for Lebanon — to escort the princesses to events in and out of town and to serve as hosts and greeters for the town all year round. For the first few years, members wore gold jackets. “Later we came to our senses and got red jackets,” said McDaniel in an interview in 1999. The first female member was Joella Larson, the daughter of Joel Mayer, one of the founders of the Strawberry Festival. She joined in the 1990s. Now the group is led by a woman, Sami Jenkins, the daughter-in-law of member John Jenkins and wife of member Ryan Jenkins. She joined the Strawberrians in 2004, a year after her husband became a second-generation member. One of the newest members is John Pham, D.O., an assistant
professor at the College of days. Osteopathic Medicine of the Earlier this year he was Pacific-Northwest. pleased to be one of several He teaches S t rawb e r r i a n s essentials of cliniwho picked up cal medicine, P h i l i p Meet the Lebanon which he Pumerantz, the Strawberrians describes as “how president of Gus Arzner, Joe Barber, Al Barrios, to think and act W e s t e r n Dean Baugh, Dena Burian-Blacklaw, like a doctor, how University of Kevin Burt, Darlene Carter, Charles to talk to patients H e a l t h Christensen, Dean Crittenden, Terry and get informaSciences, the Deacon, Bev Dunigan, Dennis Dyson, tion from parent of Bob Elliott, Shelly Garrett, Ray patients.” C O M P Hendricks, John Hitt, Glenda Holland, Dr. Pham emiNorthwest, at a John Jenkins, Ryan Jenkins, Sami grated from hotel in Jenkins, Fred Johnson, Ruth Johnson, Vietnam to the Corvallis and Ed Kelso, John Tre’ Kennedy, Dave United States with brought him to Madarus, Jim McDaniel, Tom McHill, his parents in Lebanon. Greg Nervino, Tom Oliver, Ronn Passmore, Thomas Peters, John 1975. He was 3 “I love it,” Dr. Pham, Jim Ricke, Floyd Simpson, K J years old. Pham said of Ullfers, Jeanette Walls, Steve A 1994 graduate being a Williamson and Robert Wimmer. of Oregon State, Strawberrian. “I his loyalty to OSU love community is evident in the events. I thrive orange and black off of participaobjects decorating his office. tion.” Dr. Pham was interested in While living in the Portland joining the Strawberrians from area, he had been involved in the moment he saw the “cool” red building floats for the Rose jackets on the princess escorts Festival parade. at the 2011 Distinguished Dr. Pham is looking forward to Award ceremony. Lebanon’s Grand Parade, and This year he was hopes he’ll be one of the wearing a red jacket Strawberrians walking along side himself as he the court’s float. walked Princess “It’s a big deal,” he said. Tanea Lawler into Instead of going to the awards event. Clackamas for the weekend, “It’s exciting,” he he’s looking forward to having said. “I wear that red his family join him here for jacket proud.” the festival. Because he lives in For more information about the Lebanon on work days and returns to his wife and children Strawberrians, go to the group’s at in Clackamas on weekends, Dr. website Pham participates in sites.Google.com/site/strawberStrawberrians events on week- rians.
Rollin’ ■ Continued from Page 3
parade this year), but he has to learn the clutch,” Carol Peck said. Driving in a parade presents a host of problems for older cars, including straining the clutch and overheating, Mike Peck said. Neal Hubbard, club president, doesn’t usually bring his pickup in
parades. “It’s made for going fast, not slow,” Hubbard said. “I kind of hesitate to be in parades, but I have to be in this one. This one’s special.” None of what the club does would be possible without Harry Carter, Carol Peck said. Harry was the driving force for the
Rollin’ Oldies, Carol Carter said. “He was very interested in what was going on,” she said. “He loved his community, and he truly did. Lebanon held his heart. He moved away a couple of times, but he always managed to get back to Lebanon.”
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Lebanon Express, Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Princess Hannah a future prosecutor
Princess Hannah Silverman Strawberry Princess Hannah Silverman wanted to be a strawberry princess because she wanted to be a role model for the youth of the community. The 18-year-old Lebanon High School senior said her favorite memory of the Strawberry Festival is
watching the yearly parade. “Everything else goes away and everything is perfect the weekend (of the Strawberry Festival),” Hannah said. As a post on the LHS basketball team, Strawberry Court is not the only court Hannah is familiar with.
The Warriors set the After graduation from record for most wins in a the UO, she plans on regular season with 23-5. attending law school to She played in the state become a prosecuting tournament contest at attorney. Matthew Knight Arena on The princess started the University of Oregon working as a receptionist at campus. the Morley Thomas Law Hannah played a key Firm last month. reserve role for “It’s a good the Warriors, experience including the “Everything else since that’s t o u r n a m e n t goes away and the field I where they want to go reached the everything is per- into,” Hannah quarter finals fect the weekend said. for the first time She knew in team history. (of the all of the girls “It was a on Strawberry great experi- Strawberry Court, except ence working Festival).” Katie Latimer. with all those Hannah is girls,” Hannah the daughter said. “We couldn’t have of Ben Silverman, lieudone it without each other. tenant with the Lebanon It was great to be on the Police Department, and (basketball) court.” Angi Silverman, office She is also involved with manager for Eugene Forest Linn County Search and Products. Rescue, National Honor She has two sisters and Society, Keystone club and one brother; Naomi Stars. Silverman, 30, and Sarah In her work through Silverman, 26, and Ben Keystone she helped organ- Silverman Jr., 31. ize volunteer projects and She also is the winner of movie nights for teenagers the Boys & Girls Club Youth in the community. of the Year. Hannah has been acceptLast year, fellow and good ed to the UO, where she will friend Strawberry Princess study business administra- Tanea Lawler won the tion in the fall. Youth of the Year award.
Good and Miners stops growing berries The Strawberry Festival was created to promote strawberry farms. Now, one of the oldest local strawberry fields has closed. Last year, Good and Miners strawberries was still at the field near the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, but they are no longer growing strawberries, Eunice Miner said. “We just decided not to grow strawberries anymore,” she said. Eunice and her husband Mike Miner grew strawberries for 50 years before stopping this year. Their field started as 17 acres when
Eunice’s father started the patch. In recent years, it had decreased to five because strawberries were no longer shipped to canneries. Instead, they had to be sold fresh at stands throughout town, or by U-pick during the growing season. While there is no strawberry field in the city, down a few miles on Highway 20 a booth states, “fresh-picked strawberries sold here.” The farm is on about three acres of property. The strawberries will not be ready in time for the strawberry festival,
said Dao Saechao who helps his parents on the strawberry farm. “They’re the best strawberries in town; a lot of people tell us,” Saecho said. “They’re fresh, juicy strawberries.” He said he has never been to the Strawberry Festival. Saecho said the strawberries may not ripen until the second or third week of June because severe winter weather this year damaged some of the crop.
JAKE ROSENBERG/LEBANON EXPRESS
Princesses Tanea Lawler and Hannah Silverman are close friends and teammates. Tanea was also a fellow Warrior on the LHS basketball team. Hannah said Tanea was very supportive of her winning the Youth of the Year
award. She was active in promoting the Teen Center with the Boys & Girls Club this year. The center opened last year.
Lebanon Express, Wednesday, May 23, 2012
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Princess Courtney to enter health field sixth-grade girls. “It was the funnest thing I’ve probably ever done,” Courtney said. Because she was closer in age to those she coached, Courtney formed a sisterlike bond with them. “I feel like we got to connect on a personal level,” she said. “I enjoyed it, probably more than playing volleyball.”
MATT DEBOW/LEBANON EXPRESS
Princess Courtney Wells signs an autograph for Carmen Millican, 11, at Hamilton Creek School on April 26. Princess Courtney Wells, 18, was a bit surprised to get the call that she’d been selected to join the 2012 Strawberry Court. “I’ve been nominated for a lot of things, but, I guess, other girls get picked,” she said. She said she’s just a regular girl. “I’ve never seen myself as outstanding,” Courtney said. “I feel like I’m just a normal, small-town girl.” She feels very honored to have been selected to represent Lebanon. “Since I was 6 or 7 years old, it’s been the biggest dream,” she said. Courtney is enjoying participating in her courtly duties, especially building the princess’ strawberry float. “Certain things we go and do and I think, am I really a part of this amazing thing? Do I really get to represent Lebanon?” she said. She likes to ride threewheelers and go to the beach, have dinner with
friends and watch movies. made up her mind to work“I’m in a, ‘Nothing can go ing in the emergency operwrong, Hakuna Matata’ ating room. stage of my life,” Courtney Although Courtney has said. “I try to make the best always had an interest in of everything.” the medical field, she hasn’t She’s always looked up to always wanted to work in the Strawberry Princesses. the ER. “They’re girls that are As a freshman, she pargoing somewhere, who are ticipated with DECA. really involved in the com“I thought I wanted to munity,” she said. “I have run my own business, a the opportunity to give that bar,” Courtney said. But back and a f t e r show more attending a of myself to “Who doesn’t like week-long the com- rides? Who doesn’t conference munity.” with a mulCourtney like eating strawberry titude of is going shortcake? Who does- classes, she places, decided she though she n’t like princesses?” didn’t want doesn’t to run her plan on own busigoing much farther than ness after all. the Willamette Valley. She Courtney was on the plans to attend Linn- Lebanon High School volBenton Community College leyball team for her freshand Oregon State man and sophomore years, University to major in diag- but had to quit after she nostic imaging, with an eye spent a summer coaching on Good Samaritan youth at the Boys & Girls Hospital in Corvallis. Club in Sweet Home After her senior project instead of conditioning. working at Good Sam, she She coached fifth- and
Courtney has always enjoyed the Strawberry Festival, and often helped her family with a booth at the Open Air Fair. “Everyone in the community gets together,” she said. It’s the one time of the year family and friends come together. “And it’s the most ideal way to kick off summer,” Courtney said. “Who does-
n’t like rides? Who doesn’t like eating strawberry shortcake? Who doesn’t like princesses?” Courtney is the daughter of Tammie and James Wells. Tammie works at Albany Eye Care. James works at Laticrete. She has two siblings: Amber Wells, 16, and Chris Wells, 21.
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Lebanon Express, Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Princess Christie’s passion is in books Strawberry Princess Princess in 2008. Christie Willis serves on This year’s theme, more than one court. “Strawberries Around the She is the No. 1 in doubles World” conjures images of on the Lebanon High Disneyland’s “It’s a Small School varsity team and World” ride for Christie. head team captain. Though Christie has not The senior has played travelled outside of the tennis for three United States, years and cred- “When women she has gone on its much of her many family success on that lose their hair, vacations. court to her they can feel a “My family doubles partner drove to J e s s i c a loss of feminini- Wa s h i n g t o n , Stoneking. when I ty. I wanted to D.C., “She’s great,” was 6 or 7 years Christie said. make something old,” Christie “She believes in said. me when I very feminine.” W h i l e don’t believe in Christie said myself.” she is open to Christie is thankful for travelling to other counthe chance to be on the tries, there are still some Strawberry court too. sites in the U.S. she would “When I got the call, I like to see. couldn’t believe it,” “I’ve never been to the Christie said. “Me and my Grand Canyon,” Christie mom were jumping around said.“I’ve been close to it,but the living room.” we’ve never stopped there.” Christie, who shares her As a princess, Christie mother’s first name, has will participate with the lived in Lebanon her whole Strawberry court, but if she life and has always enjoyed dressed up on her own for the Strawberry Festival this year’s festival, Christie with her family - parents said she might dress in a Brian and Christie Willis, kimono, sari or as a merand sister Amanda. Her sis- maid. ter was a Strawberry She is part of the fashion
design program at LHS and has three pieces in the fashion show in May. One piece she designed with her grandmother, who battled cancer, in mind. The skirt is a deep purple underneath lace with a bow at the waist. “When women lose their hair, they can feel a loss of femininity,” Christie said. “I wanted to make something very feminine.” Christie counts fashion and language arts among her favorite classes. Among assigned reading, her favorite book is Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” which she read in Josh Smalley’s class. Outside of class reading, her favorite book is “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini, which her sister gave to her for Christmas. Christie plans to stay in Lebanon after graduation and attend Linn-Benton Community College to earn an Oregon Transfer Degree. She wants to transfer to Oregon State University to earn her master’s degree in information sciences — a degree which is preparation for a career as a librarian or
AUDREY GOMEZ/LEBANON EXPRESS
Princess Christie Willis works on her recycled piece on April 26 for the LHS fashion show. archivist. Christie worked on her senior project at the Lebanon Public Library. “Denice Lee is amazing!” Christie said of the Library Manager. “(I was surprised by) how much manpower it takes to run a library — dealing with people, pushing around the big carts, the patience,” Christie said. Christie’s other activities
Strawberry Festival has parades for all ages It’s not too late to enter the parades for this year’s Strawberry Festival, May 31 through June 3.
Grand Parade The Grand Parade will march down Main Street beginning at 11 a.m. on June 2. It is 2.5 miles in length and begins at Market Street and Santiam Highway. It proceeds north along Highway 20 to Rose Street, then west on Rose where it disbands onto Third and Fifth streets. This year’s theme is “Strawberries Around the World.” Entries to the Grand Parade must be received by May 29 to avoid a $10 late fee. No entries will be accepted after
May 31. All registration fees are nonrefundable. The check-in will be at Dr. Clark’s Dental Office parking lot near the end of Market Street. Horses will check in on the access road by Walgreens. Staging will be on Market Street, part of the River Center parking lot and Bob Smith Park. Enter from the S. Main Street side. Check-in opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 10 a.m. Judging takes place from 8 to 10 a.m. Entries checking in after 9:30 a.m. will not be judged. For more information about the Grand Parade, contact Bobbi Birch via email at xmasbrat@comcast.net.
Junior Parade The Strawberry Festival Junior parade begins at 2:30 p.m. on June 1. Staging begins at noon, with judging from 1 to 2 p.m. at the parking lot of Third and Grant streets. The parade begins at Second and Maple streets and proceeds east to Main Street. From there, children travel north on Main to Rose Street, west on Rose and disband at the American Legion parking lot, where popsicles will be distributed to all participants. For more information about the Junior Parade, contact Denise Johnson via email at ddj71@live.com.
include the Key Club, S.T.A.R.S., National Honor
Society, and Independent Service Hours.
Lebanon Express, Wednesday, May 23, 2012
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Get your morning Strawberry Cup is a driver, fan favorite walk or jog with Strawberry 5K By Jake Rosenberg LEBANON EXPRESS
By Jake Rosenberg LEBANON EXPRESS The Strawberry Festival’s annual 5-kilometer race is a staple for Lebanon’s growing running community, and it remains as one of the valley’s most popular events. Now in its 26th year, the 2012 Strawberry 5K is expected to have another large group of competitors crowd the starting line on June 2. “All of the running and sporting events in Lebanon are really great, but I’m really proud how our community has embraced the sport of running,” said Strawberry 5K coordinator Emily Latimer. “They are always full. We keep putting on 5Ks, and the community keeps responding.” After the 10 a.m. one-mile fitness run/walk concludes, competitive runners will take the starting gun for the 3.1mile feature race along the parade route on Main Street/Highway 20. Runners will start and finish near the American Legion hall at Main and Vine streets. The registration fee is $15 for the run, and $5 for the fitness run/walk. Those interested may register online at www.getmeregistered.com, or at www.lebanonstrawberryfestival.info/runwalk.html. Registration forms also are available at the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, 1040 Park Street. Forms should be mailed to Strawberry Run, P.O. Box 273, Lebanon OR 97355. Event packets and late registration will be offered at Nemo’s Sports Apparel, 660 S. Main St., on June 1 from 5 to 7 p.m., the night before the race. All participants will receive a ribbon. Winners in each of the men’s and women’s age-group classes will be recognized before the start of the Grand Parade. Runners who race in a “Strawberries Around the World” themed costume will be eligible to win special prizes at the finish line. Age groups are: 9 years and younger, 10-14, 14-17, 18-25, 26-35, 36-44, 45-55, 56-65, and 66 and older. Michael Shogren won last year on the nationally-certified course, with a time of 16 minutes, 47 seconds — seven seconds ahead of Lebanon’s Michael Lofton. 2010 winner Jason Hawthorne, placed third overall, while fellow Albany resident Jordan Marsh, 20, was the first woman to cross the finish line at 21:46. Lebanon’s Joshua Moore was the first of the 101 one-mile racers with a time of 6:25. The Lebanon High School cross country team will be helping with the event again, and some of the proceeds go to help the program. Competitors with strollers and walking aids are welcome to participate as long as they can finish in one hour. “This is just a great way to kick off the parade. It’s just so great to have so many people cheering you on to the finish line,” Latimer said. For more information, contact Latimer at Emily.Latimer@lebanon.k12.or.us.
The Strawberry Cup at Willamette Speedway has been a Strawberry Festival tradition for nearly five decades. While the annual race at the 1/3mile clay oval remains a regular points event for all four of the weekly classes of cars, there is an added sentimental incentive for the drivers to finish first. “It’s a title the drivers really want,” said Willamette Speedway track operations manager Chris Nofziger. “When you win the Strawberry Cup, it means something more, so the drivers get a bit more into it.” The new Mini Trucks racing class will mean a fifth strawberry-themed trophy will be awarded at the June 2
race, as well as another A-main champion’s name on the back of the 2013 T-shirt. The 2011 race saw Trevor Glaser beat out eventual season champion Rob Mayea in the top-class Late Model final. Dustin Dittman took the Modified A-main over twin brother Justin Dittman in the midst of another championship run. Strawberry Cup Sportsman winner Todd Miller and Classic Sportsman Adam Walker also will look to repeat their efforts last year. The Strawberry Cup is among many of the regular drivers’ favorites, but it is also one of the most popular races of the year with the fans. “The community really comes out for the Strawberry Cup weekend,”
added Nofziger. “Even with the carnival going on, the whole town gets really into it.” With recent track renovations completed, the event will be just the fourth scheduled opportunity of the season for spectators to sit in the new grandstands and enjoy a completely unobstructed view of the new track layout. Track owners Jimmy and Jerry Schram will be offering special deals while hosting their second Strawberry Festival race, with a family special for the event, which admits two adults and two children under 12 for $30. Individual tickets are $14 for adults and $6 for kids 6 to 12 years old. Time trials begin at 2:30 p.m., with racing following at 6 p.m.
Strawberry Smash keeps annual tourney alive By Jake Rosenberg LEBANON EXPRESS Lebanon High School coach Alaina Meek has kept the Strawberry Festival’s tennis tradition alive with the Strawberry Smash. Years after former LHS tennis coaches John and Jan Nadig started the event, 18 players, ranging from pre-teens to those in
their 70s, returned to the school’s courts last year to compete in the annual tournament. Caleb Davis, of Eugene, and Lebanon’s Carina Chambers took the singles titles before pairing together to reach the doubles final. There they fell to the Lebanon tandem of Angelia Robinson and
Grab lunch at the fairgrounds Every year, the Kiwanis Club and the Lions Club host burger booths at the fairgrounds. For the service clubs, the Festival weekend is one of their biggest fundraisers. Each club’s booth serves hamburgers, chips and soda. The Kiwanis offer french fries and cotton candy. The clubs have always had a friendly rivalry at the fair as to who has the better burgers. This year, the Lions have a new feature called travelling tacos, or taco in a bag. “They are pretty popular in the midwest at food booths,” said Lion Brant Krause. “It is simply a small bag of chips turned sideways, cut open the long way, chips are crushed a little bit. We add seasoned taco meat, lettuce, tomatoes and salsa to the bag, stick a fork in it and hand it to the customer who can then go walking around the fairgrounds enjoying their portable meal.” Stop by either booth and enjoy lunch or dinner while supporting local service clubs and their missions to improve the community.
Cody Rey, the men’s singles runner-up, to conclude the two-day competition. “The weekend weather was beautiful,” Meek said of the 2011 match. “I plan on keeping the old tradition alive, and if the
weather cooperates, we’ll have another Strawberry Smash in 2012.” For more information about this year’s June 2 and 3 event, contact Meek at 541-258-5986, or Alaina.Meek@Lebanon.k1 2.or.us.
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Lebanon Express, Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Sweet tradition: Lebanon’s strawberry shortcake By Matt DeBow LEBANON EXPRESS For more than 80 years, Strawberry Festival shortcake fans have enjoyed the traditional summer confection, served following the Grand Parade. The cake still rides through the parade on a tiered float and still features white cake, strawberries and whipped cream, but a few things have changed. The cake recipe was developed in 1931 by local baker T.W. Munyan and later prepared at bakeries owned by Clarence Shimanek and Claude Durlam. When the local bakeries closed, Roth’s Foodliner and Safeway grocery stores took over. Now Mega Foods supplies the shortcake, said
LEBANON EXPRESS
The Oregon Dairy Women serve up Strawberry Shortcake at last year’s festival. Cindy Ongers, strawberry shortcake chair, but they order the cake from a bakery in Portland. There is no
longer a place in town with the capacity to make that much cake. Ongers has been in
Don’t miss the carnival, open air fair The Strawberry Festival carnival kicks off at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 31, at the Strawberry Festival fairgrounds at Cheadle Park off Wierich Drive. The fair will feature rides, food and entertainment. The entertainment stage will feature Muti Marimba from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on June 1. They are followed by a jazz ensemble at 5:45 p.m. Cowboy Cadillac finishes the musical entertainment of the evening with its perWho will be queen?
Find out at coronation at 7 p.m. on May 24 at the Lebanon High School auditorium. Tickets are $3, and include a strawberry pin. The queen and her court will be busy during the festival weekend, judging floats, riding in the Grand Parade, and serving strawberry shortcake at the fairgrounds.
formance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 2 performances start with Bobbilynn at 1 p.m., followed by “Elvis” Joe at 3 p.m., and Fate 55 from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Cascade Performing Arts takes the stage June 3 from 1 to 2 p.m. A karaoke contest runs from 7 to 10 p.m. the first night, with semis from 4:30 to 7:45 p.m. on June 2, and finals from 2 p.m. to close on June 3.
Ride bracelets may be purchased at the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce or OSU Federal Credit Union for $20. At the fairgrounds, bracelets cost $28. Also at Cheadle Park is the Open Air Fair, with a variety of booths and food vendors. A fireworks show will illuminate the sky on Saturday night.
charge of the shortcake for six years. “The cake is a white cake,” she said. “It’s extremely yummy.” It serves more than 5,000 people, she said. The World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake strawberry topping comes from Norpac in Salem. It will use more than 1,800 pounds of strawberries. Ongers said there isn’t a place locally that can provide so many berries for the topping. She is impressed by the community involvement in Lebanon. Creating the shortcake is an all-volunteer effort.
“The people who I work with are just incredible,” Ongers said. “I have so much fun doing this because I am blessed to work with these people. It’s just amazing.” The Lebanon Fire District washes the float to clean it for the parade. When the cake is placed on the float, fresh berries are placed on top. Ongers said eight flats of fresh strawberries are purchased from Mega Foods, along with about 3,000 toothpicks to hold the strawberries on the shortcake. The strawberry princesses will serve the cake at the Cheadle Lake festival
grounds after the parade, with help from the Oregon Dairy Queen. Ongers said Oregon Dairy Women donate whipped cream. For those who can’t make it to the festival, such as people who live in retirement homes, about 1,000 pieces of cake are delivered to them. Sally Skaggs said she has delivered cake for at least 15 years with the Beta Sigma Phi chapter of Xi Beta Zeta. “The residents look forward to it, and they really enjoy it,” Skaggs said. “They get to feel that they’re involved with the partaking of the festival.”