Find out why these two rank-and-file members of their respective bureaus were selected to win the prestigious “Russ Lemmon” Award …

Come on by and check out the freshest foods at the season! – Here’s why …

Market Master Steve Voorhees welcomes everyone to the Parkrose Farmer’s Market. This is one of our favorite photos of him from last season!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Parkrose Farmer’s Market is coming back, and ready to for another great season, says Market Master Steve Voorhees – as he and the vendors gear up for another season in the Parkrose High School south parking lot, starting Saturday, May 2nd.

If you didn’t go – take a look, here, and see what you missed …

Come on out and see bands, Portland Rose Festival Princesses, classic cars and much more during the 9 AM parade – and enjoy the Eastport Plaza Carnival that follows …

Here’s how last year’s parade looked as it began and headed north on 82nd Avenue of Roses. Organizers say this year’s parade will be even bigger, better, and more exciting.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After working all year long, the committee behind the 2009 82nd Avenue of Roses Grand Parade says they’re ready to have a great time during this year’s edition – scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at 9:00 a.m.

Why are there six (6) working doors on the set of “Lend Me A Tenor”, the American Classics Theater Festival’s offering by Mt. Hood Repertory Theater Company? Read on and find out why you should be buying tickets.

In the Main Theater at Mt. Hood Community College, Maggie (Eleanor Cohn-Eichner) is the girlfriend of Max (Kirk Mouser), who is the assistant to the manager of the opera company that finds itself suddenly without a star tenor in the hilarious Broadway comedy, “Lend Me A Tenor”.

Enjoy this outer East Portland Independence Day tradition by talking a look at these exclusive photos (and even a low-resolution movie!)‚

Photo story by David F. Ashton
This Independence Day parade isn’t the biggest in the nation. And, it takes place the day before the national holiday, July 3.

But talk with any of the participants in the East Portland Community Center’s annual parade‚ young or old‚ and they’ll tell you it’s the best.

We enjoy going to the parade, and sharing these photos with you,

If you missed it, a look at this story and you’ll see why you must come and check out the newest open-air market in outer East Portland next week

At the new Montavilla Farmers Market, Mary and Frank Culbertson buy veggies Denison Farms Organic Produce from Corvallis.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Six months ago, a dedicated group of volunteers agreed that the Montavilla area needed its own farmers market. On July 22, their dream was successfully realized when crowds of neighbors flooded into the market and sales were brisk.

What does the Midway Business Association have to do with “Reptile-Man”, ice cream treats, and a lawyer? Take a look at this 3-in-1 story (with great photos) and find out …

At the Midland Library, the Oregon Reptile Man – Richard Ritchey – shows his alligator, which he says can tell if kids have been good – or bad. This young man one was deemed by the ‘gator to be “good”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The small-but-growing Midway Business Association, a group of business people in southern outer East Portland, does more than just promote their own enterprises – they also promote goodwill in the community.

Here’s your invitation to look in on the party thrown by, and for, volunteers who have worked for 25 years to make this unique outer East Portland park into a natural wonderland …

Leach Garden volunteer Ernie Francisco, tells executive director Karen Young how she recruited Bette Howard to help with the garden 25 years ago.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Leach Botanical Garden is the site of many events during the year. It’s often rented out for receptions, meetings and private parties.

Some neighborhoods go all out for National Night Out. But the big event for this neighborhood is super-sized family picnic in the park. Take a look …

Volunteer Julie Neburka, here cutting the watermelon given out by the Woodstock Neighborhood Association.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Throughout Saturday, August 18, families from miles around filtered into Woodstock Park and joined the relaxed throng at the third annual Woodstock Neighborhood Picnic.

It wasn’t easy tracking down Ruthann Bedenkop, the event’s organizer. She was busy coordinating dozens of volunteers to make sure the picnic ran smoothly.

Take a look at another great East Portland farmer’s market, as it opens its doors …

Giving away cookies on opening day at the Moreland Farmer’s Market are Beatrice Matin, market manager Laura Wendel, and Elaine Harper.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Beautiful weather may have been one factor for the great turnout at the Moreland Farmer’s Market opening day on May 14. But the wide variety of vendors and upbeat feeling for the nonprofit market, as it begins its third season, may have contributed to the lively day.

It’s more than just a Cruise-in – Parkrose business folks are getting ready for a day-long festival! See why they’re working so hard to make this event happen …

Parkrose Business Association Past President Wayne Stoll, of Century Associates, shows off the street banners about to be hung along NE Sandy Boulevard to promote the August 2 Parkrose Festival and Cruise-in.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As we’ve been telling you – the “Rose Festival Parkrose Cruise-in” has been put to rest.

© 2009 East PDX News. All Rights Reserved.