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A Garden Party Busted by the Cops - Plan Ahead in Clark County, WA

By
Industry Observer with Nature As Neighbors

A Garden Party in Washougal - The Neighbors called the Cops

Our client, and now good friend, always celebrates special occasions in a big way. Last weekend, she threw herself a garden party to celebrate her last year as a 60-something. We knew we in for a treat, as she has great taste, style, and flair, and is very detail oriented.

The afternoon party was set up in her beautiful gardens with beverages and tasty hord’ourves. Soft music played over the speakers as guests mingled before an early supper.  Once seated, the hostess had a special gift for everyone and we enjoyed the first course while the waiter served Prosecco. 

Crispy salad, freshly baked bread, and baby zucchini and carrots preceded the grilled salmon. All were fresh and local. Edible flowers accompanied each course, echoing the scene of flowers surrounding around us. Hummingbirds flitted here and there keeping the scene lively with their chirps and aerial antics.

Surprise Guests Arrive! 

At the end of the meal, we were moved to another section of the yard with more gardens and a rock patio flanked by a deck. Musicians were waiting, and it didn’t take long for the party to really get underway. After about an hour of fun, but subdued, music, great conversation and a bit of dancing, we were interrupted by the arrival of two men in blue.  

Apparently, one of the neighbors was not amused with the noise and festivities. Keep in mind, this was about 5:00PM on a Sunday afternoon.  You can imagine our surprise. Fortunately, our detail-oriented and thoughtful friend had taken out a Special Event permit with the City of Washougal. While she had it printed, the kind officers agreed to pose for photos.

If you’re wondering why she didn’t prepare the neighbors, she tried. Apparently, this particular household didn’t respond to calls, and must have tossed her mailing. We were all kind of tickled over the situation, as most of us couldn’t remember the last time we attended a party where the police were called. 

Moral of the story: Details matter. If you’re planning an outdoor event with live music in a Clark County neighborhood, be sure to call first and ask what’s required. It might just turn unwelcome guests into the life of the party. 

Posted by


Debb Janes  Bernie Stea
Brokers/REALTORS®
Call or Text 360-608-4900

We help buyers and sellers in Camas, Washougal, Brush Prairie/Hockinson, Salmon Creek, Felida, and other Vancouver, Washington Areas. 


We bring our passion for nature and beautiful environments to Real Estate. Multigenerational and family estates, country land and homes, and small farmsteads are our speciality.


We agree with our clients, "The true luxury of rural living is having elbowroom for the soul.

 

Comments(9)

Kathryn .
Rentec Direct - Grants Pass, OR
Rentec Direct

They should have handcuffed her for birthday! =)

Jul 20, 2016 01:51 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate

Probably over that fantasy, at this side of 70, Kathryn Jones!!!

Jul 22, 2016 08:09 AM
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

That is very amusing Debbm the cops do not look to angry

Jul 20, 2016 03:01 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Debb,

Great story, interesting neighbor to do that.  She could have come over and said something...Glad your friend is very smart and she even had a permit.  She should send this photo to the neighbor!  LOL A

Jul 20, 2016 03:37 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Debb-While I am not a fan of a neighbors loud music I am fortunate that it is generally pretty quiet around here but where I lived before it was noisy. I like that she had a pic taken with the officers and had a permit.

Jul 20, 2016 04:02 AM
KRISTIE DESAUTELS
Caron's Gateway Real Estate - Groveton, NH
Caron's Gateway Real Estate

Hi Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD .   It sounds like a great party with awesome food and a beautiful atmosphere       Goes to show that you can't please every one.   Thank you for sharing,  take care

Jul 20, 2016 05:07 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Debb & Berniew - How cool! We have so few opportunities today to get harmlessly busted. I'm impressed she thought of the permit.

Jul 20, 2016 05:10 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Oh, I LOVE this, Debb! In light of all of the last weeks' police-oriented news, this is a fresh take on the men in blue. And look how happy they all are! 

AND she was prepared with a special events permit! Who knew? Just another great piece of advice from our friends, Debb and Bernie on how to live right  in Clark County!

Jul 22, 2016 08:07 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Debb

Sounds like a wonderful party hosted by a most thoughtful, and planful, host! It was smart of her to obtain the permit (and shame it's even needed) so she was prepared. What a terrific picture for this entertaining post!

I havent' been to a party where the cops were called since college!

Jeff

Jul 22, 2016 08:19 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Deb

You know when the police arrive for a garden party  . . . . The garden party is rocking.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Jul 23, 2016 01:51 PM