Some members of the family that started the business want to sell

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The battle over the potential sale of the Alpenrose Dairy to a Seattle-area company entered the Multnomah County courtroom of Judge Jerry Hodson Wednesday as the watchful eyes of interested observers filled the seats.

The potential sale pits family against family as some want to sell and others are fighting that plan.

Several attempts to sell the dairy have failed in the past — partially due to agreements not being quite right and partially due to disagreements among Alpenrose’s owning family.

Alpenrose Dairy employees were also there along with several community groups — including the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association, which has an event at the dairy Wednesday night. Organizers were there in support of the family members who don’t want to sell.

KOIN 6 News previously reported a potential sale to the Smith Brothers Farms would not include the facilities around the track like the Velodrome, the stadium, Dairyville and Christmasland.

Alpenrose is not just a locally known brand and business, it’s a huge part of the community, hosting Christmas and Easter events, the Softball World Series, go-cart and bicycle racing events.

A community fundraiser has already brought in nearly $25,000 to help in the legal fight.

Multnomah County Judge Jerry Hodson, September 18, 2019 (KOIN)

A series of hearings began with a court-ordered hearing to show cause. Courts commonly use orders to show cause when a judge needs more information before deciding whether or not to issue an order requested by one of the parties.

Judge Hodson said this case will likely stretch into next week.