Expect New Events and Fun Classics at the 2018 Strawberry Short Course Festival

One of the longest-running community events at Mt. Hood Community College will return this June to the Gresham campus. On Saturday, June 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the college will host the 2018 Strawberry Short Course
Festival, which will offer plenty of family friendly activities, great food and music, and fun learning opportunities.
At this year’s Strawberry Short Course, expect lots of fan favorites, including free Planetarium Sky Theater shows (featuring “The Southern Sky and Chile”), delicious strawberry cupcakes (this year baked by Tollgate Inn Bakery in Sandy), and free cosmetology
services (first come, first served haircuts and mini-manicures).
The Kids’ Zone returns too this year and will feature a bounce house, rock climbing wall, face painting, bungee run course, and inflatable hamster balls. Kids’ entertainment also includes Penny’s Puppet Shows, the MHCC Dino Dig site, and the 4H Corbett
Critter Club Petting Zoo. Meanwhile, kids of all ages should expect a blast at the MHCC Open Science Labs (where they can make slime!) and a Bingo tourney (complete with prizes!) sponsored by Powell Valley Assisted Living and Memory Care Community.
New this year, MHCC’s student jazz ensemble, “Studio Hood,” will play throughout the day. Additionally, two of MHCC’s newest campus food vendors, Riverview Restaurant and Black Rock Coffee Bar, will be offering up great
food and drinks throughout the event. You can grab a barbecue lunch from Riverview, including burger/hotdog, chips and a beverage, for only $7.
The 2018 Strawberry Short Courses will include a variety of classes covering everything from science and physical education to business and self-improvement. Learn about growing your business using social media, buying your first home, and managing student
debt. Discover Reiki healing, kombucha brewing, salmon and fly fishing, and metal shaping. Or try your hand at archery, welding, meditation, or yoga. Looking for a family class? Check out “Simple Self-Defense for the Whole Family.” Want to see a real
set of human lungs? Stop by “Smoking Cessation for Quitters.”
“We think we’ve done a great job bringing a variety of classes to the campus this year,” said Kimberly Murray, chair of the Strawberry Short Course Festival planning committee and coordinator of MHCC’s Community Education program. “I’d recommend bringing
the entire family and seeing it all: who knows what new interests and passions you’ll discover!”
The Strawberry Short Course Festival began at MHCC in the 1980s and continued until the 1990s. In 2013, it was relaunched and has been a yearly staple at the college ever since.
For an event schedule and list of vendors and classes offered this year, visit mhcc.edu/Strawberry