Take a look at the joyful day folks had putting on, and attending, this great summer event …
During the 2013 Montavilla Street Fair, visitors browse and mingle on SE 79th Avenue, just north of SE Stark Street.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Hundreds of folks, from all over the Pacific Northwest, came to outer East Portland on July 21 for the 2013 Montavilla Street Fair.
“This is our third annual street fair,” smiled Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) President Mia Neuse of Montavilla Community Acupuncture. “We are very happy to have such great weather this year.”
Gathering for a photo: METBA President Mia Neuse; Alla Nestaka, from TSG Services; the event’s musical coordinator Barbara Passolt; a volunteer who slipped away before we got her name; and (seated) METBA vice chair of street fair and Treasurer Alema McCrea.
“We’ve expanded it this year – over the last two years – in terms of the number of vendors,” Neuse told East Portland News.
“We’ve got a beer garden on SE 81st Avenue, as well as our music stage. Here on SE 79th Avenue, we have it closed off for vendors, and have put in a ‘Family Stage’ with lots of games and activities for kids.”
At their booth, Dianne Barrett and Elona Landau of Mandala Yoga demonstrate a pose, just for fun.
Darshanna Hart of Little Mommas Kitchen serves up a “red hot” to Mike Vander Veen.
Vendor Daniel Muir of Twisted Copper shows off one of his truly “twisted” creations for sale.
Putting on an event of this magnitude is a lot of work, admitted Neuse.
“But, it’s worth it to have the fair once a year, where the community comes together. It’s also for people who are looking for a fun thing to do,” added Neuse. “We are drawing people from all over the City – and many from out of town – to our neighborhood.”
Some of the visitors are surprised to see how vibrant “Downtown Montavilla” has become since they’ve last visited,” Neuse commented. “We have a number of wonderful restaurants and shops on the street. They’re getting to meet wide range of people as well.”
Sue Hanna of Oregon Bike Shop helps Linda Robinson show visitors an illustration of what may someday become a bike riders paradise called Gateway Green.
On the Montavilla Street Fair Music Stage, Robert Richter and Rachel Bowen, a duo know as Castletown play their traditional Irish reels infused with modern folk and country influences.
Visitors’ smiles are plentiful at this year’s Montavilla Street Fair.
The best part of it all for her, Neuse said, “is seeing all the different people coming out, and into our neighborhood, having fun. I love seeing that.”
To learn more about the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association, see their website: CLICK HERE.
© 2013 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News