On June 7, the parking lot outside Café Miranda in Rockland turned into not a “block party,” but a “flock party” in tribute to 25 years in the business branded by kooky pink flamingos.

Volunteers were on hand from Hannaford Supermarkets, Camden National Bank and from the Knox County Homeless Coalition to serve several hundred people from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The a family-friendly, tented event was free to the public with donation jars and proceeds from the food and drinks going to  the Knox County Homeless Coalition, one of Chef Kerry Alterio’s favorite causes. In addition to this event, will be matched up to $10,000 by Hannaford.

The Nikki Hunt Band performed with her signature hula hooping ooping (accompanied on the dance floor with others who also brought their hula hoops). There was face painting, chalk drawings and other kid’s activities along with free water and fruit provided by Hannaford. Threshers Brewery was on hand to sell their beer, along with wine and coffee. And the lines were long to get some pizza from Café Miranda’s mobile wood-fired oven.

Proceeds went to support Knox County Homeless Coalition. A limited number of signed copies of Kerry Alterio’s book Adventures in Comfort Food were also available with a minimum donation . In addition, all monies raised and donations received at this event, as well as a subsequent Hannaford Chef’s Table partner event in the Rockland on June 16 will be matched up to $10,000 by Hannaford Supermarkets and go to the Knox County Homeless Coaltions.

“When we came to Rockland with the dream of having this place, our dream came true,” said Alterio. “We added to the community and the community supported our dream and that is something to celebrate. And now, by supporting Knox County Homeless Coalition and their unique holistic approach we’re helping people who were once homeless in our community reach their dreams.”

For more info: https://homehelphope.org/donations/