Believe it or not, it's been 30 years since Tim and Jeanie Oliver sold their first pair of Soft Star shoes in 1985. This is a big anniversary for us, especially at a time when we're preparing to mark another milestone by moving to a bigger workshop. It's definitely a far step from the old school bus the Olivers once used to make our shoes (click here for that story).
Soft Star owners Tricia and Larkin wanted to do something special to celebrate our third decade of moccasin-making, so they surprised our entire staff with a trip to the Oaks Amusement Park in nearby Portland, Oregon!
All of the elves, along with their families, kids and loved ones, met up on a warm July Saturday for a busy afternoon of rides, games, greasy food and loads of fun. As one should perhapsexpect in Oregon, the clouds opened and pounded us with rain the minute our busload of elves arrived at the park. Fortunately, there were plenty of indoor activities to keep us busy (after a wet lunch in the picnic area), and the sky cleared long enough for us to enjoy the outdoor rides for a few hours before heading back home to Corvallis.
It was also a great opportunity for us to update our staff photo for the first time since our 25th anniversary rafting trip. This time it includes all of our families, too!
But don't take my word for it...
Trying to stay dry during lunch.
Founder Tim and Co-Owner Tricia show you a little water won't stop their fun.
Elf Dina and Elf Hava brave the storm to see what the park has to offer.
Keita, Patty and Hava tear it up in the roller rink.
The sun came out and we hit the rides! Here's Elf Brad on the Scrambler.
Elf Hava and Tim keep trying to catch Brad's Scrambler car, but they just can't seem to gain ground.
Little Shel captivated by go-karts. Nice shoes, Shel!
Elf Martin and his girlfriend making faces waiting in line for the Screamin' Eagle—which, true to its name, invoked lots of screamin'.
Larkin's sons enjoying a train ride around the park!
Tricia and her youngest daughter, Oly.
Elf Tesla takes baby Sage on very her first Merry-Go-Round.
Elf Sarah made sure there was no shortage of Soft Star temporary tattoos for the trip. Here's Larkin sporting hers with a wet pair of Solstice sandals.
Elf Martin and Elf Hava taking a break from roller skating. Why does Martin look so evil?
Larkin's husband Jay taking their son Shel for a motorcycle ride.
The elves dominate the go-kart course!
A happy couple!
The 2015 Soft Star elves and their families!
The day was a blast for everyone, but that's not the end of our anniversary celebration. Keep following us to see what's next...
Related Posts:
- Soft Star is Moving! Watch Us (Literally) Raise the Roof On Our New Oregon Workshop [VIDEO]
- Elf Roots: The Early Days of Soft Star
- Soft Star Celebrates 26th Anniversary
