While the parade wasn’t the longest, see what folks who lined the streets for blocks enjoyed seeing at this fun, family event ‚Ķ
A friendly crowd showed up along the route of the Division/Clinton Street Fair route to watch and greet the marching (and rolling) entries.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While much of July’s weather was sweltering, the morning of July 22, the date of the 14th Annual Division/Clinton Street Fair and Parade was delightfully cool.
“Our event started out as a sidewalk sale,” the business association’s president, Jean Baker, told us. “It gets better every year.”
Unlike Hawthorne Avenue, known as a regional attraction, SE Division and Clinton Streets are more of a “working person’s” neighborhood, according to Baker. “As more people come to these events, the better known our area becomes. I hear visitors say, ‘I never know this business was here.’ And, this event gives the business a feeling of community.”
Finding a handy curb from which to watch the passing parade are Jasper and Laura Gordon, and Natalie and Georgia Obradovich.
Most of those who watched the parade and came to the street fair walked from their residences in the Richmond and Hosford/Abnerthey neighborhoods. Baker said the neighborhood associations support the event and have information booths at the fair.
The parade is coming!
A parade kicked off this inner Southeast Portland event. Baker said, “After our parade, we have family events all day in the area.”
Baker commented that the weather forecast for a scorching-hot day scared off some of the parade participants. But young and old, gathered along the route that stretched from SE 18th Ave. up past 39th Ave., looked delighted.
Enjoy our photo album of this great neighborhood event!
Division/Clinton Street Fair Photo Album
Leading the parade is the Last Regiment Marching Band, a percussion unit that provides explosive energy to the procession.
Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams and his staff shook hands and talked with people along the parade route.
Riding uphill all the way, intrepid unicyclist Andrew kept up with the pace.
Portland Police Southeast Precinct Commander Derrick Foxworth demonstrates the spirit of community policing.
Adding bubbles to the parade are Jennifer and Evelyn Fox.
Emerson House, providing care for those with Alzheimer’s, sponsored rides on an old-fashioned horse-drawn street car pulled by big, friendly horses.
In this parade, you didn’t have to be “special” to march! All kinds of folks paraded making political statements, selling goods ‚Äì and just having fun!
“To bounce or not to bounce?” This is Jen Violet Dekker’s most pressing question of the moment.
Toby Patella, accompanied by his Amazing Street Band, is preparing for his show of juggling, magic and comedy on SE Clinton Street.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
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