You don’t have to travel far to enjoy one of the best Oktoberfest events! Take a look at the fun everyone had at the Oaks Park event, right here …
These fun musical cut-ups, providing a rollicking good time, are the High Five Band from The Dalles.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While some people prefer to travel for an hour or more to attend a traditional German Oktoberfest harvest celebration, thousands of Portlanders take in the same sort of festivities each year at Oaks Park.
From small musical groups to a full polka band, sounds of lively music drifted through the century-old amusement park from as many as three venues at the same time.
“My lederhosen are original, and da genuine article,” confides Al Planatscher – an immigrant from Tiraol, Austria. “I make all these pants myself, since 25 years.”
Daughter and dad Kristy and Byron White drove together to dance and dine at the Oaks’ Oktoberfest – all the way from Bellingham, Washington.
Food was savory and plentiful. Guests dined on sausages, schnitzels, and all the trimmings. The made-while-you-watch soft pretzel we purchased was the best we’ve eaten.
As we strolled around the temporarily-Germanic-decorated park, we stopped to talk with Oaks Park’s Senior Manager, Mary Beth Coffey. “I agree with people who say that our Oktoberfest is ‘the pretty one’. Set in our wooded area, overlooking the Willamette River, overseas guests say it reminds them of their homeland.”
This Portland choir sings traditional German songs. The group’s name, Liederkreis, means “Circle of Songs”.
When the crowd chants, “Ziggy, zoggy, ziggy, zoggy, hoy, hoy, hoy, hoy”, everyone lifts their beverage of choice, in a toast.
Because they’re celebrating German culture, Coffey says they strive for authenticity. “We have really worked at having German food, bands, and beer. The German Society is here, and the German School does the kids’ events. It is a way for people to celebrate a different culture for a day, isn’t it?”
The Portland-based Tyrolean Dancers provide an energetic, swirling, fancy-stepping demonstration.
Flap, Flap, Beak Beak, everyone! The traditional Oktoberfest Chicken Dance is led by The Oregon Chicken!
Then, we hit Coffey with the big question: “Do you dance the Chicken Dance?”
“Yes,” she replied with a big smile, “I indeed do the Chicken Dance. The Oregon Fryer Commission is our main sponsor, so I’ve had the pleasure of dancing with ‘The Oregon Chicken’ as he leads it, front and center.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Not all SE Portland celebrations are German! Learn why the Chinese celebrate their harvest season by making colorful lanterns …
The Lynch family – dad Chris, as well as Melissa, a Lewis 3rd grader and Elizabeth, a Lewis Elementary 1st grader – show their paper lanterns.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While many folks were enjoying a touch of Bavarian culture at Oaks Park’s Oktoberfest, others were learning the Chinese way of celebrating the harvest season, by making paper lanterns at the Woodstock Branch Library late in September.
“We make lanterns as part of our mid-autumn festival,” explained instructor Jean Choy. “Because the brightly colored lantern reminds us of the moon, we use them as part of our celebration.”
“On the date of our festival, the moon is the biggest and shines the brightest,” Choy told us. “Actually, the celebration is for three days. We say ‘hello, moon’ on the first day, and say ‘goodbye, moon’ on the third day.”
Instructor Jean Choy tells families at the Woodstock Library about the Chinese tradition behind lantern making, while she gives construction tips.
We asked Choy why there was a rabbit on each of the lanterns the kids and parents were making.
“We put a bunny face on the lantern because legend says a bunny rabbit lives in the moon. His role is to make the medicine of longevity; for a long, healthy life.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
It’s no bull!
See why these kids were so happy to hear the “Story of Ferdinand” at this special library Story Time …
These kids and parents joined in the “Read for the Record” campaign at Midland Library and got to take home a new copy of the book, “The Story of Ferdinand”, after reading it with youth librarian Sue Ciesielski (back row, left side).
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Just two weeks ago, Midland Library’s Story Time was a very special occasion – even if some of the participants were too young to know why.
“Today, all over the country, groups of kids are reading ‘The Story of Ferdinand’ (the Bull) by Monroe Leaf,” explained Midland’s youth librarian Sue Ciesielski. “It’s part of a program called ‘Read for the Record’ put on by an organization called JumpStart.”
By reading “The Story of Ferdinand” together on Sept 20, Ciesielski went on, the Midland Library group joined the effort to break the record for the largest “shared reading experience” ever — 150,000 people — set on August 24, 2006, as part of a movie promotion in which several of our local schools participated.
“The story was a little longer story than our preschool Story Time kids are used to. But, they were very attentive,” said Ciesielski.
At the end of Story Time, each of the children registered their participation in the event. And, they all got a free copy of the book to take home for their very own. The smiles on their faces indicated how much they liked both the story — and their new book.
That afternoon, the library held a bilingual “Read for the Record” in both English and Spanish.
According to JumpStart, a national nonprofit organization that engages preschool children from low-income communities in an intensive early education program, the day was a success. Nationwide, the event had the documented participation of 258,000 readers.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See our favorite pirate rock band – Captain Bogg & Salty – welcomed back by a throng of admirers, at this unusual library show – and see where the 2nd Annual PIRATE FESTIVAL will be THIS weekend …
While First Mate McGraw sings a solo, Captain Bogg gives us the “secret pirate sign” – the hook!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Judging by the giggling, laughing, singing and dancing of hundreds of kids at Sellwood Park a few weeks ago, Sellwood Branch Library’s choice of Captain Bogg & Salty’s Pirate Band for this event was a good one.
“Capt. Bogg and Salty have had wonderful, long partnership with the library,” said Sellwood Branch children’s librarian Marci Davis. “They’re the perfect ones to help us celebrate the conclusion of our summer reading program, ‘Get a Clue’.”
Davis said that kids who have participated in the summer reading program can win prizes. “This program keeps them coming in and asking about new books to read.”
So popular is this local band, Captain Bogg lets members of the audience sing verses of the songs they’ve come to know well.
Pirates as music stars
“It’s an honor to be asked back to the celebration again this year,” lead guitarist and singer First Mate McGraw (AKA Kevin Hender) told us. “With the reception we get, it’s become one of my favorite shows. To this audience, we’re stars!”
First Mate McGraw asked us to mention that the 2nd Portland Pirate Festival returns to Cathedral Park in St. Johns – under the bridge – this weekend, September 22 and 23.
No one croons a pirate tune like The Captain!
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See how a softball game, parade, festival and a music concert all provide good family fun for folks in the outer East Portland neighborhood …
Celebrating their 12 year of providing lemonade at Lents Founder’s Day in Lents Park – and six decades of serving the community with quality flooring – is the Lansing Linoleum family and crew.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Platted as the Town of Lent in 1899, it was annexed into the city in 1912 – making it one of Portland’s oldest neighborhoods.
Every August, area businesses and neighbors gather to celebrate Lents Founder’s Day. Here’s our photo album of the 2007 activities:
Annual softball game
The City of Portland City Stickers (left side) lead on the scoreboard from the first inning playing against the Lents Neighborhood Rebels. The City Stickers won the game, 24, to 9.
Parade and Festival
During the Founder’s Day Parade, Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams greets people along the SE 92nd Avenue leg of the parade route.
In the Lents Lutheran Community tent, Jose Gomez and Erica Ferguson are slicing up lots of watermelon at Lents Founder’s Day.
Learning about old-time camp cooking skills are Kristine Keller and Kayden.
John and Judy Welch serve up some of the 300 free hot dogs, provided to the event by the New Copper Penny restaurant.
Rubi Gastelum climbs the Portland Parks & Recreation “rock wall” like a champ.
Larry Morrell leads the Providence Stage Band.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Next time you visit the area, check out the history – and new renovations – along Hawthorne Boulevard …
Linda Nettekoven, vice chair, Hosford Abernathy Neighborhood Association; Jean Senechal Biggs, project manager, City of Portland; Karin Edwards, president, Hawthorne Blvd. Business Association; John Laursen, owner Press 22, and designer of the bronze plaques; and Portland Commissioner Sam Adams all take a peek at one of the monuments installed on Hawthorne Boulevard – one at the Multnomah County building, the other at SE 36th Street.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After almost a decade of planning, and a year of construction, the merchants along the street celebrated the completion of the Hawthorne Boulevard Project with proclamations and a street fair on August 18.
When we met at the unveiling their historical monument, Karin Edwards, president of the Hawthorne Boulevard Business Association, told us why she’s pleased with the project’s outcome.
“Hawthorne is a very ‘green minded’ business community. Our customers prefer to bike, walk and bus when possible,” said Edwards. “And, everyone who drives to visit Hawthorne Boulevard parks their car – and becomes a pedestrian. So, pedestrian-oriented improvements really help the entire business and shopping community. We feel that increased safety is good for everyone, and it’s good for business.”
Edwards told us their association’s all-volunteer board helped guide the project. “Our goal was to maximize the positive benefits for customers and businesses. Our previous two presidents have provided excellent leadership.”
Lisa Naito and Sam Adams present their proclamations – one from the county, the other from the city – commending the improvements made to SE Hawthorne Blvd. and declaring August 18 as “Hawthorne Day”.
Two commissioners present proclamations
Both City of Portland Commissioner Sam Adams and Multnomah County Commissioner Lisa Naito were on hand to celebrate the boulevard’s beatification project.
“This is a glorious day,” Adams told us, as he – and district leaders – took a sneak peek at the historical monument about to be dedicated. “Hawthorne Boulevard is one of our key neighborhood business districts. With this project, they got new sidewalks, safer street crossing areas, and new sewers. This helps make Hawthorne Boulevard a better place to live, work and play.”
Lisa Naito added, “The historical plaque is an artful addition to our County building. We’re very proud to be part of the Hawthorne Community.”
Hawthorne Boulevard historical medallion’s designer, John Laursen, talks about the project, while Commissioner Sam Adams shows off the handiwork.
Says medallions are opposite of graffiti
In addition to the historical monuments, artist John Laursen designed the medallions that are embedded in many of the sidewalk extensions.
“It was struggle at times, to make sure the funding would be there, and that the project would get built as designed by the citizen’s advisory committee,” Laursen told the group. “We had the idea of including aesthetic improvements, to give added value to government expenditures. These medallions are like the opposite of graffiti – by putting these in our sidewalks, it is our way of saying ‘we care about his place’.”
Officials from the City of Portland and Multnomah County, Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association, and the Hawthorne Boulevard Business Association together cut the ceremonial ribbon dedicating a “bicycle oasis”, built with funds provided by the production company which shot the motion picture “The Hunted” here, two years ago.
Hawthorne Day Street Fair
Enjoy our photo journal of the day-long event …
Entertaining kids during Hawthorne Days are members of Circus Cascadia, including Paul Battram – who shows Zoe how to balance on a ball, with a little help from dad Andrew Mottaz.
This Hawthorne retailer serves the community by grilling up free hot dogs – both meat and vegetarian varieties – for those passing by.
Street sales along the boulevard attracted hundreds of shoppers.
Music – from sidewalk duos, like these guys, the “Slim Pickin’s Duo”, to full bands – provided a merry soundtrack for the event.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Take a look at one our favorite summertime events:
Sundae in the Sellwood Park …
International variety arts star Charlie Brown strikes a pose during his famous box juggling act during Sundae at the Park.
Liz Joffe says little Sophie Beck needs no help consuming her ice cream cone.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For many people, it would be enough that this event that provides 50-cent ice cream sundaes on a sunny, summer Sunday afternoon.
But the 27th annual “Sundae in the Park” offered even more, including world-class comedy and musical entertainers, crafts, and community service booths.
Event organizer Pamela Orser and MC Scrafford Orser welcome visitors to the annual event.
“We spend a lot of time putting this together,” said organizer Pamela Orser, at the August 5 event.
“In times like this, when we can be so easily become ‘detached’ from our neighbors, community events like this help draw people together,” Orser reflected. “It’s more important now than ever, for us to have a sense of belonging. When people feel like they belong, they care about their neighborhood.”
Bolley Quast says fifty cents is a small price to say while making his donation to Rotarian volunteer Patrick Cowles.
Stepping up to the ice cream table is Andrew Morelock; Louis Morelock is careful with his dish, he’s using both hands!
The weather was threatening rain on the morning of the event, but as the sun came out, Sellwood Park filled with neighbors dining on chili dogs, free popcorn, and cheap ice cream cones and sundaes. Orser estimated that more than 1,500 people attended the event.
“All I can say is ‘hats off to our volunteers’ for all they’ve done,” Orser said, commending the 200 helpers who make the event possible. She also gave high praise to the sponsors: the Sellwood-Moreland Improvement LeaguE (SMILE) neighborhood association, the SE Portland Rotary Club, Umpqua Dairy, and The Joinery.
Cooking hot dogs on behalf of Loaves & Fishes are volunteers Brian Darby and Michael James.
Jason Shaw watches as Kara Juarez help steady Maresa Juarez as she tries walking on stilts.
Listeners agree no one plays great jazz tunes better than “Tall Jazz”. If you could have heard them as we took the photo, the song being played was “On Blue Dolphin Street”.
From the toddlers to codgers, everyone said they look forward to this great community event, year after year.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
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See how much fun kids had during
this “Magic of Reading” show …
Right before their eyes, magician Jay Frasier grows flowers on a bush, as part of his “Reading is Magic” show.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the great programs hosted at Midland Library, designed to keep kids interested in books during the summer months, was the “Magic of Reading” show.
Professional magician Jay Frasier performed simple magic tricks – in a very entertaining manner – to illustrate the benefits of reading.
“I do magical routines that relate to books that kids can check out in the library,” said Frasier after his show. “I try to draw them into books.”
Seven-year-old Sunny laughs so hard he can hardly stand up, while he helps magician Frasier at Midland Library.
Frasier, a professional entertainer of 20 years, told us he’s been interested in magic since he was four years old. His skills showed; kids were doubled over with laughter, and tears of joy streamed from the eyes of parents.
“I love to read. Encouraging kids to read is something I value,” Frasier said. You can learn more about the magician at www.twistedmagic.com.
What’s happening at Midland Library this week? Be sure to check our Community Calendar.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Take a look at our “tour”, as we crisscrossed outer East Portland, visiting all of the National Night Out against Crime events …
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The idea behind National Night Out against Crime (NNO) is simple: When neighbors come together and socialize, they tend to look out for one another. As neighbors become less isolated and form community bonds, it makes it more difficult for criminals to succeed at their dastardly enterprises.
For most neighborhoods, NNO is their premiere networking event – from family potluck dinners to big barbecue dinners.
Saturday, August 4
Oregon Baptist Retirement Home and the Parkrose Neighborhood Association held their events on this date.
Oregon Baptist Retirement Home
Many of the attractions at this particular venue is the cruise-in. This classic Mercedes was a favorite.
“This event is a community outreach of our retirement home,” said Lou Fontana. “It brings folks in from around the neighborhood to share the facilities with them. We offer a $2 barbecue lunch.”
On the grill with the white hat is Steve Williams, administrator of Johnson Assisted Living.
This was the only NNO event that features a cruise-in. “We have about 70 cars today; all kinds of specialty vehicles: Classics, muscle cars, antiques – a little bit of everything,” Fontana told us.
The event attracted over 1,000 visitors.
Portland Police Mounted Officer Angela Hollan makes friends while astride Ian, a pure-bred Belgian. The Mounted Patrol visited many NNO events across East Portland.
Firefighter from Portland Fire & Rescue Station 2, Christopher Invester, makes friends with Kaitlyn Lee.
Parkrose Neighborhood Association
At Senn’s Dairy Park; NE 112th Ave & Prescott St.
Burgerville’s Amanda Stewart takes a break from serving sandwiches to talk with event coordinator Mary Walker, and neighborhood chair Marcy Emerson-Peters.
“Welcome to our annual neighborhood picnic,” smiled neighbhorhood chair, Marcy Emerson-Peters. “We’ve got cold sandwiches and all the lunch fixin’s for people to enjoy, for just a buck.”
While the adults enjoyed the music and conversation, the kids favored playing in the sprinkler on a hot summer afternoon – along with Marcy Emerson-Peters.
“We love our neighbors – this is our way of showing it,” Emerson-Peters added.
Sunday, August 5
Powellhurst-Gilbert neighbors
This more informal potluck dinner in Powellhurst Gilbert has the feel of a big family picnic – but without the ants and the squabbling!
Today, we stopped by to visit with neighbors in Powellhurst-Gilbert area for their National Night Out gathering on SE 119th Ave.
“This is our second year,” commented organizer Carol Thornberry. “Many of the neighbors enjoyed it so much last year, they said they wanted to do it gain this year.”
At this casual gathering, about 50 neighbors brought treats and put together a treat-looking pot-luck dinner.
“By doing this,” Thornberry said, “we know who we’re waving at when they go by. We say hello when we meet at the store. It’s really nice to feel the sense of togetherness.”
Tuesday, August 7
Centennial Community Group, Harold Oliver and SUN Schools
At Harold Oliver Middle School
Cynthia Thomas, Mayor Tom Potter, his wife Karin Hansen, and Jackie Jaffe – at the big Centennial Community Group event.
Our first stop on our whirlwind tour of outer East Portland’s National Night Out events was to visit the big event put together by coordinator Jackie Jaffe, Metro Family Service, SUN coordinator at Harold Oliver primary.
“We’re having shows, bands, a Mexican dance troupe – and we’re giving out hot dog dinners,” said Jaffe.
She said they made the effort because “here in this area, people feel pretty disfranchised. It seems like people have ‘boarded themselves up’ in their homes. This event draws people out into the community so they get to know their neighbors, and feel more comfortable living in our community. Not enough this happens out here. I wanted to help start his process.”
We were surprised and pleased to see Portland Mayor Tom Potter at the event, which drew about 500 adults and kids.
“National Night Out is really about neighbors getting together with neighbors,” Potter told us. “When neighbors get to know one another, they look out for each other; this helps prevent crime. It makes neighborhoods safe. It shows people that people that they feel responsible for their community. It scares off crime.”
Wilkes Community Group and Russell Neighborhood Association
At Wilkes Park
About 400 neighbors from these two neighborhoods gathered for their annual barbecue, which featured sirloin steak burgers.
Wilkes Community Group chair Ross Monn told us the neighborhood volunteers again were putting on a first-class event.
“I wanted to be part of the celebration and show my community spirit,” said volunteer Sheryl Reinisch. “You get to meet your neighbors and establish more relationships and get to know people better.”
Ross Monn, Chair, and volunteer Sheryl Reinisch together call the neighbors to dinner.
Paul Capell and Joe Clifton, cooking up sirloin steak burgers at the Wilkes NNO.
Parkrose Heights Association of Neighbors
At Knott Park
Carol Williams, Chair, welcomes James Cash and Arabelle “Sam” Fliniau to the NNO event in Knott Park.
“Thanks for coming by,” welcomed neighborhood chair Carol Williams. “It’s our National Night Out celebration! It’s a good thing for everybody to get together, get information, and meet their neighbors.”
Serving hot dogs are neighborhood volunteers Allison Newman-Woods and Stephanie Viegas-Dias.
Alexander Viegas, getting the balloon from Steevie Weevie (he’s the one with the more colorful outfit).
Argay Neighborhood Association
At Argay Park
Volunteer Jan Cornelius, here serving Burgerville burgers to Nancy and Don Humphries.
“It’s a great event,” commented neighborhood chair Valerie Currey. “It looks like we’ll have about 475 attending.”
Highlights included a visit from SpongeBob SquarePants (aka 88-year-old Evelyn Benson); Burgerville’s Tillamook cheeseburgers; and the participation of Target stores, which donated gift cards and sent six volunteers to help out.
The popular Kooltones, a classic soft rock band, performed for the fifth consecutive year.
Valerie Curry checks in neighbors at the Argay shindig.
Kenneth Vernon is presented an honorary Portland Police Bureau badge by East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs.
Hazelwood neighbors
On NE 111th Ave. near NE Oregon St.
Denine Foote, and her neighbors from the surrounding three blocks, enjoys the classic rock music of the band Cover Dawgz.
It’s not hosted by any neighborhood association, but this Hazelwood National Night Out party seems to grow every year.
“This year we’ve expanded it,” said organizer Denine Foote. “We included residents from three blocks, from NE 110th Avenue through NE 112th Avenue along NE Oregon Street.”
Their musical potluck affair drew about 30 mellow neighbors.
Woodland Park Neighborhood Association
On NE 101st Ave.
Glen and Laura Heiner pull out another winning ticket at their neighborhood NNO party drawing.
Each year, the NNO party in Woodland Park grows larger, as more neighbors participate.
“I also hosted our National Night Out party last year,” Laura Heiner told us. “All year long, I’ve had more people asking if I was going to host it again. They ask, ‘When is it? Will you be serving those great pulled pork sandwiches?’ It is great they are looking forward to this event.”
This barbecue and potluck drew nearly 100 neighbors, Heiner reported.
Mill Park Neighborhood Association
On SE 113th Ave at SE Yamhill St.
Tending the three (3) grills at the Mill Park festivities are Leslie Catabay, Karl Moody and Todd Baker.
“We decided to make simple food this year – burgers and dogs,” reports Todd Baker, as he takes a break from his grilling duties. “We’ve got a musician again this year. You might say our theme is ‘Simple fun with neighbors’.”
Portland Fire & Rescue’s firefighter Neil Martin, shows neighborhood kids around Engine 7. Fire engines and trucks visited most of the gathering this year for, at least, a short time.
Mill Park neighbors
On SE Mill Court
Jackie Putman (lower right hand corner) and her neighbors share a quiet celebration in their Mill Park a cul-de-sac.
“This is our fourth year for participating in National Night Out,” Jackie Putman said. When you live in a cul-de-sac with front porches, you don’t always see everyone. This gets people out and helps us update our phone-tree list. And, it’s just fun to visit.”
About 25 neighbors came out for a quiet evening of outdoor dining and conversation.
Lents Neighborhood Association
At Lents Park on SE 92nd Ave.
Amber Lane scoops ice cream at the Lents Neighborhood Association’s Ice Cream Social.
As the sun was setting behind the tall trees at Lents Park, the picnic area facing SE 92nd Avenue was swirling with neighbors. We asked organizer Judy Welch how it was going. She replied, “I’ll be back; we’ve got to get more ice cream!”
Over 300 Lents community members and surrounding neighbors came out to Lents Park to enjoy the old-fashioned Ice Cream Social, greet one another, and mingle with visiting cops.
At the Lents National Night Out, John and Judy Welch, Officer Tony Passadore, Officer Mark DeLong, and Shawndrae Norwood give us a smile, in front of the Portland Police Bureau’s Mobile Precinct.
We learned that a group planned to meet at the facility on SE Lafayette Street – but at the last minute, the facility withdrew permission. They were then invited to attend the big celebration at Lents Park – and did! They shared their hamburgers and hot dogs; and in return, got free ice cream.
Community service groups, such as the folks from ROSE Community Development, were on hand to tell of their community services.
“Many people stopped by information tables for Lents Neighborhood Association, Portland Park Rangers, Portland Development Commission, Lents Homeownership Initiative, Portland Water Bureau, the Neighborhood Emergency Team, and our booth for ROSE Community Development,” explained their community organizer, Amie Diffenauer.
Their event was sponsored by some of those with the informational tables, including the Lents Homeownership Initiative, ROSE Community Development, Lents Neighborhood Association, and the Office of Neighborhood Involvement
Powellhurst Gilbert neighbors
On SE Woodward St.
Shannon and Luis Morales, Mary Walker, Debbie Chin, Ivan Morales and Jay Auslander share good times at their neighborhood gathering in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood.
The fact their neighborhood association doesn’t organize an “official” National Night Out event doesn’t stop our friends out on SE Woodward Street from having their own gathering. It’s almost dark by the time we get there.
“We’re just getting started,” says Shannon Morales as she offers us a snack. “It’s good because everyone gets together. This annual event gives us a mental picture of the people who are supposed to be here. It keeps us safer. And, we have fun!”
Thank you all for welcoming us as we visited your event – if only for a few moments, making our East County rounds!
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See scenes from a great street parade and fair in
SE Portland, right here …
Last Regiment Drum Corps leads off the Division-Clinton Street Parade with a resounding syncopated beat.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
From the parade to the pizza-eating contests, sidewalk sales to snow-cones, this year’s Division-Clinton Street Fair and Parade provided an entire day of family fun for neighbors and visitors.
“Our event showcases commerce and community,” said Nancy Chapin, one of the event’s coordinators. “It is the biggest and best ever!”
These fans are enthusiastic about this year’s parade – and let the participants know by waving.
Long parade is all down hill
Their Community Parade was the longest ever. The route was from SE 50th Avenue and Division Street west to SE 21st Avenue – where it turned south to SE Clinton Street, and then east to SE 27th Avenue. To the relief of those walking in the parade, this year’s new routing was mostly on a downgrade.
The Last Regiment Drum Corp set the parade’s pace, followed by a colorful procession of decorated bicycles, costumed participants, sports teams, peace protesters, families, cars, and yes – the famed Division Street Motor Scooter Drill Team.
For nearly 30 blocks – from SE 20th Avenue to SE 50th Avenue – businesses along SE Division Street show their wares. Side streets along the way are lined with commercial and public service cabanas.
50-block Street Fair
When it comes to their Street Fair, taking it all in is a tall order. It ran along SE Division and SE Clinton Streets from SE 12th Avenue to 60th Avenue. The Oregon City Trolley and Pedi-cabs provided transportation to fairgoers.
Along the main streets, businesses held sidewalk sales, provided entertainment and craft demonstrations. On the sides-streets, cabanas were set up for businesses, community organizations and vendors to meet the public.
Live music filled the air from six locations; bounce rooms and other entertainment delighted the kids. One could easily have spent the entire day strolling these SE Portland streets and not see everything.
Photo Album
Enjoy some of the sites we saw while at this year’s parade and fair:
Bernardo Gomez, Deanne and daughter Tatiana ride the parade route in style – in their custom-made, sidecar motor scooter.
Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams walked the parade route, taking time to shake hands – and give hugs – to SE Portland neighbors.
Brigitte Tisseur tempts those passing by Petite Provence with a delicious pastry. We know it was delicious; we purchased the one she holds!
Sharon Nyberg, glass bead artist creates a tiny work of art; Hilary Foote and Kestrel Rayfield Foote admire her skill.
Kids literally jump for joy at the Division-Clinton Street Fair!
We’re told 1,550 people were counted going through Oregon Episcopal School’s LEGO show, in a section of the former Nature’s store on Division; students showed off their computer-controlled creations.
Mr. Accordion fills the street with lively tunes for his small, but appreciative audience.
Meet the Division-Clinton District business people
If you have a business in this part of SE Portland, consider checking into their business organization. Find out more at www.divisionclinton.com.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See Portland Nursery transformed into an elegant outdoor event center – on behalf of this charitable organization …
Stuart Holgate and Teresa Holgate bidding in the Portland Impact Garden Party silent auction.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The people strolling around Portland Nursery are usually looking for yard and garden accruements. But, this garden-lover’s paradise is turned into the site of an elegant garden party, once each summer, on behalf of Portland Impact.
Hail shifts event from spring to summer
Seven years ago, that organization was looking for a unique way to raise funds, explained their development director, Scott Shlaes. He told us their first event was at the Rhododendron Gardens in inner SE Portland.
“We held it in the springtime,” Shlaes related. “After an evening of rain and hail, we decided to hold it during the summer; Portland Nursery in SE Division Street stepped up as the site sponsor.”
Patrons line up for a grand meal prepared and served by Delisiso Catering.
Auction raises $115,000
Through silent and live auctions, sponsorships, and generous donations made during a “bid for the cause”, the 450 attendees helped Portland Impact raise nearly $115,000 during this, their 7th Garden Party.
“We’re a non-profit, social service agency,” Shlaes explained, “with a mission to help people alleviate the effects of poverty in their lives and achieve self sufficiency. The funds raised at this event really help us help others.”
Mitch Lambley, benefit auctioneer, takes a bid.
Shlaes went on to say that Portland Impact provides both proactive and reactive solutions to people in need. “Poverty is a big problem. Some of our services provide immediate relief for people – like helping keep utilities from being shut off, or keeping people from being evicted.” An example of an Impact long-term antipoverty program is managing eleven SUN Schools to promote early childhood educational.
Event sponsors included the Lindgren Family Foundation, PECO Manufacturing and Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund.
Kathleen Wendler is welcomed to the event by Portland Impact’s Scott Shlaes.
You can help
To find out how you can help this fine organization, check their website at www.portlandimpact.org for details about their programs.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
You’ll see the fun we’ve had at a summer concerts in public parks during July‚ and discover where, and when, more concerts are coming to East Portland parks this month‚
Summer concerts in the park are a great place for a picnic dinner. Toasting the evening’s music at Mt. Tabor Park are John Halsey and Cindy Young.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Some of the best music one can enjoy during the summer months in Portland isn’t played in a nightclub‚ it’s found at the “Summer Concerts in Portland Parks” series, presented by Portland Parks & Recreation.
Throughout July, we’ve had a great time listening to a wide variety of live music, meeting concert-goers, and watching the kids make crafts at these events.
Jennifer Lynn croons a slow, country-flavored song for her appreciative audience at Sellwood Riverfront Park.
At Mt. Tabor Park, volunteer Lorene Farrar says she feels this program is important to the park for several of reasons.
“The concerts introduce people to our park and what it has to offer,” Farrar tells us. “When the kids come with their parents, they’ll come back as adults. We want neighbors to enjoy our park, and feel invested in it.”
Bodacious plays light-hearted “Gumbo Americano” music, to the delight of neighbors at Mt. Tabor Park.
But the sound of great live music‚ from Americana, to jazz, to rhythm-and-blues‚ is now but an echo at Mt. Tabor Park’s “bowl”. And, gone are the stage, picnickers, and music from the lush green grass overlooking the Willamette River at Sellwood Riverview Park. Concerts at these parks ran only during July.
But there is good news: You can still tap your toes to great music‚ the series isn’t over yet. Read on!
Much more music in August
The 2007 Summer Concert Series continues in August and September with more musical programs in East Portland.
Enjoy classical music? On August 19, hear the Portland Festival Symphony and MYSfits, featuring Esther Shim, violin, and John Lee, viola, and Trumpet Soloist Fred Sautter. This program starts at 6:00 p.m. at Laurelhurst Park at SE 37th Ave. and Oak St.
And, the Lents Park Summer Concert Series kicks off in August. These concerts are held at the Lents Park Gazebo, located south of the baseball stadium on SE 92nd Ave, south of SE Holgate Blvd.
The first concert is on Lents Founder’s Day, August 19. It starts at 2:00 p.m. and features the big band sounds of the Providence Stage Band.
The following Lents Park Summer Series concerts all start at 3:00 p.m. at the Lents Park Gazebo:
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August 26‚ The blues music of EZ Eddy & Terry Robb fill the air;
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September 2‚ The Misty Mommas play American Roots music;
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September 9‚ Featuring the traditional Puerto Rican sounds of Los Borikuas;
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September 16‚ Hear the vocal harmonization and country rock sound of Wheatfield.
Thank your sponsors
We caught up with Kristan Knapp, coordinator of the concerts for Portland Parks & Recreation since 1980, at a Riverfront Park concert.
“Music in the Parks brings people together from all walks of life. It is a unifying event in the neighborhood. It helps people meet their neighbors. And, when people come into their public parks, it helps them take ownership,” Knapp tells us.
When the series began, Knapp reminds us, the City paid for the concerts. “Now that the Summer Concert program has expanded, businesses and the neighborhood associations help present these concerts through their gifts and sponsorships.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
