Part of the celebration was the ringing of the bell — 100 times, of course — as people departed the sanctuary. One by one, men and women of all ages, including a man who had last rung the bell 85 years earlier, took their turns.

Notably, it was the elders more than the adults who reveled in the experience. As neighbors and friends gathered outside, many hugs and other greetings were exchanged. In the warm afternoon air, pear blossoms along Eastside Road formed the backdrop as people reunited — in some cases after many years.

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Meanwhile, across the valley at West Side Fire Hall, another form of classic Blossom conviviality ensued.

Hungry diners filled long tables, elbow to elbow with friends and strangers. A toddler’s spilled milk created not consternation but conversation as people got to know each other in the most communal way of all: over a good meal.

Firefighters rushed out orders of eggs, ham, and fluffy pancakes, and sons and daughters of those firefighters picked up used dishes and put out fresh cups, utensils and napkins as more and more people packed the Barrett Road fire hall. Veteran firefighters watched proudly as their children did the same they had done as boys.

Blossom Festival saw some changes this year, with some events needing to change venues, and Mt. Hood Railroad making the best of a shortened route after November storms damaged the rails.

But in this community’s spring celebration, between bell-ringing and pancake serving, traditions continued their pull and reminded us that this land remains full of possibility.