Gateway’s business folks get ready for their area-wide party

It’s Fun-O-Rama time again in Gateway! Get ACCURATE information about the May 19 parade and community fair right here‚

GABA board members show off their new street banner promoting the May 19 Gateway Fun-O-Rama.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Once again, it’s time for the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) May frolic!

The GABA Golf-O-Rama is scheduled for May 12th at Glendoveer Golf Course. Proceeds from this fun tournament‚ featuring players from the neighborhood and business, plus government dignitaries‚ helps fund college scholarships for local high school seniors.

It wouldn’t be a Fun-O-Rama Parade without the antics of the Gateway Keystone Kops. See them at the Fun-O-Rama Parade on May 19.

May 19 parade draws thousands
The Fun-O-Rama Parade attracts thousands of people, who line NE Halsey Street to view the procession of professional and home-made floats, custom and classic vehicles, clowns, marching groups and dignitaries, lovely Portland Rose Festival Princesses ‚Äì and the antics of Gateway’s own Keystone Kops.

On May 19, the Fun-O-Rama Parade will begin at 10:30 am.

This year, it starts further east than in past years, assembling at St. Therese Church (NE 132nd Ave. and Halsey Street).

It will travel west on NE Halsey Street. At the “split”, the parade travels westward on the eastbound side of Halsey, disbanding at NE 106th Ave.

Portland Police East Precinct Cadets help out at the Community Fair at 111th Square, by fitting and distributing bike helmets for kids.

Community Fair follows parade
On the same day as the parade, the Community Fair at 111th Square also takes place. It runs from noon until 3:30 pm at NE 111th & Halsey Street. This fair provides entertainment by singers, jugglers, martial artists, and even Ronald McDonald.

Gateway area businesses, neighborhoods and non-profit organizations get to show their wares and demonstrate their services to the community.

The association’s “Citizen of the Year” is given a Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office jacket. Receiving it, with his name embroidered on it, is Fred Sanchez.

Sanchez GABA’s ‘Citizen of the Year’
At the Community Fair each year, the association honors an individual as their “Citizen of the Year”. This year, relentless Gateway booster, Fred Sanchez will be saluted.

Leading up to his salutation, Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto awarded Fred Sanchez a Sheriff’s jacket, and commended him on his exemplary service, at last month’s association meeting.

“‘Exemplarily Service’ are the first two words of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Motto,” said the Giusto, as he helped Sanchez don his custom-embroidered green jacket emblazed with these words above Sanchez’ name.

Come meet the members
After the Fun-O-Rama, consider dropping by and meeting the members of the Gateway Area Business Association. They meet on the second Thursday of the month; networking starts at 11:30 am, typically at JJ North’s Buffet, 10520 NE Halsey Street.

Guests are always welcome, and reservations are NOT needed. To verify meeting time and date and location, and learn the guest speaker, be sure to check their website: www.gabanet.com.

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