The Kitts family, owners of Mike's Ice Cream and Ruddy Duck, have planned a community block party for Aug. 13 to celebrate the ice cream shop's 30th anniversary. Pictured, left to right, are McKinley Kitts, Mike Kitts, Tassie Mack, Cecily Diffin and Josh Kits. Those attending the party may park in the Hood River News parking lot between 6-10 p.m. free of charge.
The Kitts family, owners of Mike's Ice Cream and Ruddy Duck, have planned a community block party for Aug. 13 to celebrate the ice cream shop's 30th anniversary. Pictured, left to right, are McKinley Kitts, Mike Kitts, Tassie Mack, Cecily Diffin and Josh Kits. Those attending the party may park in the Hood River News parking lot between 6-10 p.m. free of charge.
Mike’s Ice Cream, a downtown Hood River staple since it opened in 1986, has planned a free community block party for Aug. 13 from 6-10 p.m. to celebrate the store’s 30th anniversary.
Portland band Time Machine will play on a special stage located on Oak in front of the business from 7-10 p.m., so people can “literally dance in the street,” said Cecily Kitts Diffin, one of the store’s owners. A fenced-off corner will serve beer from Double Mountain and wine from Springhouse Cellar — and yes, security will be on hand to check IDs for those who wish to partake.
And of course, there will be ice cream. The music, libations and ice cream are on the house.
Oak Street, in front of Mike’s and the neighboring Ruddy Duck, will be closed; both Sixth and Fifth streets will remain open.
The Kitts family, who own both businesses, wanted to close the street for an old-fashioned ‘80s party, and to allow people to move seamlessly between the library lawn and the street, said Diffin in June.
“We obviously benefit from the tourist trade, but we have been sustained by this community for 30 years,” she said in a June News article. “It’s a not-for-profit event — just an opportunity to say thank you for all the support we’ve received over the years.”
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