Rose Festival isn’t the only time 22 folks pile into long, narrow boats and paddle like crazy. Read on and see why 720 aqua-athletes pitted paddles at Sellwood Waterfront Park on a late summer day ‚Ķ
From the dock of Sellwood Riverfront Park, 33 teams of dragon boat racers vied for both local and regional honors.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The sun glinted off forty wet paddles as two more teams of dragon boat racers headed downstream from Sellwood Riverfront Park.
Rose Festival isn’t the only time 22 folks pile into long, narrow boats and stroke the river’s water in unison, to the beat of a drum or the call of their coach. On Sept. 10, 720 aqua-athletes pitted paddles at the park as dragon boat races took place in Southeast Portland.
The event’s announcer, James Rinehart, told us that dragon-boating is a grand sport in Canada and Australia. “There, they build civic festivals around the dragon boat races.”
Missing from the long, narrow dragon boats, we noticed, were ‚Äì dragons! “The boats used at Rose Festival are different,” Rinehart said, “those are larger, heavier, and have the dragon carving on the prow.”
Queued to race
The Castaways limber up and queue up to step into a boat for their next race.
The racers’ boats are identical, and are supplied by the event. The paddlers, however, are very different from one another. The young and older, both men and women, make up the paddling teams.
“We are from all over the Portland area,” Said the spokesperson for “The Castaways” paddling club, Kerry Jeffrey. “What we mostly have in common is that we like dragon racing. Most of us met through the club.”
Castaways team (boat #3) casts off the Sellwood Riverfront Park dock. The boats head toward downtown Portland, then stage, and race upstream.
Although a paddling club may have as many as fifty members, Jeffrey explained, a paddling team consists of 22 crew members: 20 paddlers (they don’t row), a tiller to steer the boat, and a “caller” who keeps the crew paddling in unison, either with calls or by beating a drum.
Serious fun
Janna Brown, a member of the Wasabi Warriors Paddling Team, explained that riches aren’t to be won in dragon boat racing ‚Äì teams simply race for fun and glory. To help cover expenses, the Wasabi Warriors sell canned nuts bearing their team’s name.
Each of the paddling clubs set up their own encampment at the park, lead their crews in stretch and flexibility exercises, and study the race standings.
Snapdragons’ Gloria Jones and “BJ” check the listings to find their team’s standing and see the time of their next race.
Race officials embrace technology
We found the race officials at the south end of the park.
“We do our best to accurately stage, time, and record the outcome of each race,” said race director, Joel Shilling, looking up from his computer screens. “The paddling clubs take this very seriously; so do the officials.”
Shilling told us he started dragon racing twelve years go. “The Sellwood race is relatively new. This is our second year here; I think we’ll be back.”
Race director Joel Shilling works with a crew of volunteers to stage, time, and accurately record the results of each race.
In addition to the Portland-area paddling clubs’ competition, the culmination of a racing series, the Northwest Challenge, was also underway. “During the season,” Shilling explained, “we hold races in Oregon and Washington. We’ll find out who the regional winner is today.”
The portable radios crackled, as water-borne officials radioed that the competitors’ boats were in position. At the firing of a starter’s pistol, forty paddlers strain against the water to move their boat across the finish line first.
A camera at the finish line eliminates arguments over who won the race. In this race, the Sun Dragons beat team Wicked Kaldzone by a mere tenth of a second.
“We have, as our vision,” Shilling told us, “promoting fitness and friendship through paddle sports. These races give everybody the chance to see how much their fitness has improved over the summer paddling season. It’s a fun way to get in shape.”
Picture yourself here! Paddlers say they this is the most fun way to exercise!
Want to learn more? See their website at www.groups.yahoo.com/group/DragonSports.USA
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
A new tradition in Brooklyn draws neighbors together at a delightful end-of-summer fling. Take a look at all they had going on …
Getting cool treats are Max Cristian, and Alex and Cindy Plous. They’re being served 25-cent ice cream treats by Brooklyn neighborhood volunteer Amanda Stuke.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Ice Cream Social we attended in Brooklyn not long ago wasn’t located in the New York borough ‚Äì it was right here in River City!
The chair of the Brooklyn Action Corps, Adam Tischler, described his southeast Neighborhood: “We’re a pretty small neighborhood. But we’re incredibly diverse. Our area, bordered by the railroad tracks and the Willamette River and two major roads, is like Portland in miniature. Homeowners and renters; well to do, and those of modest means, have chosen to live here.”
Chair of the Brooklyn Action Corps Adam Tischler draws tickets for kids door prizes at their annual family-friendly neighborhood event.
Tischler told us most of the association’s efforts are spent on serious issues like land use, crime prevention, and advocacy. “This event gets everyone together to meet one another. There’s a ton of stuff for kids to do here.”
Bringing neighbors together is important, he explained, because the neighborhood is in flux as more families move into it.
“Not your average Joe” Mishkin was in Brooklyn to clown, juggle, and twist balloons, much to the delight of adults and kids.
Kathy Orton, Brooklyn Historic Society, shows neighbors the building located on the street where they now live. “I’ve become addicted to it since I moved here in 1978. It’s just fun.”
“We’re all so busy,” Tischler continued. “This event gives people a chance to hang out, enjoy some simple pleasures like eating ice cream and barbecue with your neighbors.”
Cooking hot dogs is Mike James, who serves up big juicy hot dogs which are, almost too big for the buns. It was a fund-raising event for Loaves and Fishes.
Brandon Holder is being introduced to Ginger, a bull python by Michael McKay with the Zoo Zap team.
While Tischler admitted that the neighborhood association takes a chance on bad weather by holding the annual event on the first weekend after Labor Day, he said, “It gets better every year. You can’t beat it.”
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See the parking lot at SE 122nd Avenue and Division St. turned – for six hours only – into an auto show of most unique vehicles …
Old and new, the parking lot was turned into a festival-o-cars at southeast Portland’s PIZZA BARON “End of Summer Cruise-in”.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
From Mopars to foreign cars, motorcycles to roadsters, the parking lot in front of landmark Pizza Baron at SE 122nd Avenue and Division St. quickly filled with special-interest vehicles on Sept. 17 as the “End of Summer Cruise-in” got underway.
“Why pay to go to a roadster show?” asks Sherry Lankerson, as she and her husband Jack surf the sea of gleaming metal and glass. “There’s an amazing selection of cars here.”
Clay Lamb shows off his 1963 Plymouth Sports Fury to the “baron” of Pizza Baron, Bill Dayton. “Had one of these in High School,” Lamb says. “Found another one as an adult, so I bought it!”
Hundreds of spectators drift among the vehicles. “We were just passing by and decided to stop and look,” says Frank Paulis. “I can’t believe a show this great is free.”
Chandler Frey displays his MGTC roadster at the show. “You’re looking at the original paint,” he tells us. “But, I’ve got to wear pointed shoes to drive it! The pedals are very close together!”
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Did you check out the Belmont Street Fair in September? If not, allow us to take you on this guided tour …
Many side streets along SE Belmont were closed, and turned into craft and entertainment midways as thousands of folks thronged.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the summer winds down each year, folks on SE Belmont Street hold their annual event — the Belmont Street Fair.
“Welcome to our yearly ‘party’ for Belmont,” is how John Barker, President of the Belmont Area Business Association, greets us.
John Barker, President of the Belmont Area Business Association, welcomes us to their street fair.
During this event, Barker tells us, merchants and crafters showcase their businesses in the area. “We promote Belmont as a great area to live, work, and play.”
A hot afternoon made it a great time for a cool treat like shaved ice!
This, their eleventh festival, draws nearly 5,000 visitors. They enjoy performances from local musicians’ performances and see the wares of many local craft vendors — all local.
Ding, ding, ding goes the Belmont Trolley, as it takes visitors up and down the storied Southeast Portland street.
“New this year,” Barker tells us, “is a display of futuristic alternative transportation. And, we also reach back to the past, by recreating the then-famous Belmont Trolley.”
Cookin’ up a heap of great-smellin’ barbecue is Bennie Blanton of ‘Wild Wild West’, an event and catering company located in the Belmont area (but serving all of greater Portland, Bennie assures us).
“I like the people who come here,” Barker concludes. “We seem to draw happy people who enjoy a fun, relaxed day strolling along Belmont St.”
Supporters Valerie Terrett and Trish Trout help at the Belmont Street Fair by selling T-shirts and giving helpful directions to attractions.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Food, fun and friendship are the elements that drew hundreds of inner Southeast Portland families to Woodstock Park for a picture perfect afternoon of frivolity …
A walkway through Woodstock Park turned into a festival center, featuring booths set up by area restaurants, merchants, service businesses, and community service groups.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In 2005, neighbors in the Woodstock area were disappointed because the annual “Woodstock Festival” street fair didn’t take place.
“Our neighborhood association decided we wanted to do something,” said Ruthann Bedenkop, chair of last year’s event, and volunteer this year. “So, we created the Woodstock Family Picnic.”
Even though this year’s revived Woodstock Festival was a success in July, the August Family Picnic was “even better than last year. We have the same amount of booths, and great attendance,” Bedenkop said.
Folks who came out were treated to old-fashioned fun — like a cakewalk, martial arts demonstrations, and a whole day of great live music.
“Our neighborhood association feels it is important for people to come out and meet one another. Also, as an association, we want to give back to the community,” Bedenkop explained. “Working with lots of volunteers and businesses, together, we’ve created an event of which we’re all proud.”
The estimated attendance for the August 19 event was pegged at 1,000. “Watch for our date next year,” Bedenkop concluded, “We definitely want to do it again next year!”
Woodstock Family Picnic Photo Album
The cake they won at the picnic’s Cake Walk didn’t last long! Elliott Gareau, Kathleen Burns, Karynne Gareau and their friends made quick work of it!
When it came to fresh, hot, tubular treats, Dave Braman of Otto’s Sausages was busy serving ’em up, fresh off the barbecue.
Courtney Ford, Dawn Fillasen and Kailee Ford are having crafty fun at the Portland Parks and Recreation booth.
Jeff and Eileen Walter, known as the early American music duo, “Extra Measure”, play for the Woodstock Family Picnic. “I teach the fiddle,” Eileen says. “It’s like learning the violin, except more fun.”
Keeping cool on a warm day, while entertaining picnic-goers at the dunk tank, is picnic volunteer Eric Hupp.
Are Prudence and Ronan Leith getting a treat from Carman Miranda? Nope ‚Äì it’s Anna Zimmerman from Island Creamery.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
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
See why one of the best places to hear music is
in a park this summer …
Sitting on the grass, down by the river, more than 1,000 gathered for the swinging sounds of Stolen Sweets.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With a light, cooling breeze blowing in off the Willamette River, more than 1,000 folks came out for the opening of the concert season at Sellwood Riverfront Park on July 10.
This program featured Stolen Sweets, ’30’s swing jazz band from Portland who have just released a new CD.
Many food vendors were at the concerts. Making hot, fresh kettle corn at the concert is Caroline Barron; sampling her wares are Dan McCarthy and his son Rydan.
The smell of fresh kettle corn filled the air, vendors provided beverages and snacks. But many just brought their picnic baskets loaded with their favorite outdoor treats.
“Having a concert in your neighborhood helps all of us feel connect with our neighborhood,” explained Kristin Knapp, Summer Concerts coordinator, Portland Parks & Recreation. “Music connects people. And these concerts help us ‘claim’ our parks for ourselves and our families, and allow us to be proud of our neighborhood.”
Just one of the groups having family fun at Sellwood Riverfront Park, flanked by Sydney and Paige, is Rachel Schubert with Willis and David Schubert; friends Andy Fisher and Madison joined them for the concert.
From a practical standpoint, the music programs help improve park safety, Knapp said. “When we have events here, it helps people not feel afraid to come to the park. The park is a safe place to go. When we create good events in the park, it chases out the undesirable activities.”
The concerts, every Monday evening in July, were presented by Portland Parks and Recreation, SMILE, and several local businesses.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See Mayor Tom Potter join the merry throng as this great summer festival comes back to life, thanks to dedicated volunteers …
Grand Marshal Mayor Tom Potter and his wife, Woodstock Neighborhood residents, ride down the boulevard. (See our photo album below!)
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Because 2005 saw no Woodstock Festival, many people in that neighborhood thought the ten-year-old tradition was forever gone.
But, thanks to the efforts of Woodstock Community Business Association board member Cristy Landers and many volunteers, fun and frivolity filled the boulevard as the festive event returned on July 15.
The eclectic parade began at 11:00 am; the procession of people on foot, stilts and bikes, as well as riders of Segues and other motorized conveyances, pleased the large crowd gathered along the sidewalks of the boulevard. Handfuls of wrapped candy thrown by the participants kept the attention of the children from lagging.
The fun didn’t end after the parade passed by. Four stages along the Woodstock business district provided music, crafts, and entertainment for revelers of all ages. The scent of all kinds of food, cooked and served outdoors, filled the afternoon air.
“This is the best festival ever,” said 6-year-old Breanne Walker. “But, this is the first one I’ve attended,” she confessed. Judging the smiles seen on almost everyone’s face, the return of the Woodstock Festival and Parade was a very good idea.
2006 Woodstock Parade and Fair Photo Album
Gary, Lindsey, Kob, and Denise Lamb say they didn’t have to travel far to enjoy the parade ‚Äì only from SE 48th and Knight St.
These colorful bicyclists say that today, they are called the Tetanus Awareness Society – subject to change, by the end of the route!
Bystanders were amazed to see how these Reed College students nimbly danced on stilts.
Mother Goose, one of the festivals’ entertainers, encourages people to come see her magic show by having them repeat a silly nursery rhyme.
The Segue Drill Team dazzled folks lining the streets by performing spontaneous- looking patterns – the success of which appeared to amaze even the riders.
3-8P Supporting the fair and parade are Woodstock Neighborhood Association members Lonnie Port, Moshe Lenske, Helen Jones, Jan Elliott, and Mike Rocheleau.
Don Renda and Geneva get their freshly-grilled hot dog from Kikki King, in front of Mickie Finn’s Restaurant.
Brent Stephens of “Pacific Rainbow Shave Ice” presents a colorful, cool treat to Karen MacKnight.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Looky here, pardner: This ain’t no little ole’ barn dance! See how much fun folks had when they came to the 9th Annual Barn Bash ‚Ķ
Just below, see our photo album of this great East Portland event!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Regular readers already know about the Barn Bash put on by the Rossi family (and friends), to raise money for the Parkrose Youth Activities Fund.
If you haven’t yet gotten the word, take a look at the photos below and you’ll see why we think this is such a wonderful event.
This year’s Barn Bash attracted 1,800 folks to the most unique and fun party in Portland at Rossi Farms on July 8. When the dust settled, the Posse (sponsors and organizers) said the event raised $14,000, which will help eleven youth groups and organizations in the community.
2006 Rossi Farms BARN BASH Photo Album
Joe Rossi is ready to ice down hundreds of cold water bottles for the event.
Looks like nearly everyone in Outer East Portland is coming to the 2006 Barn Bash.
Parkrose High School ASPIRE director Teena Ainsley is one of 1,800 to pass through the Barn Bash entry gate.
Volunteers Clarence and Sharon Fode keep busy serv’n up the chicken.
The Zieglers (and friend) sit down to a plate of bodacious barbecue.
Portland Commissioner Sam Adams is served some of that delicious, tender Parkrose Lions BBQ chicken. Sam told us, “I’ve heard about the Barn Bash for years. It’s great to see this community come together to have a great time ‚Äì and support a good cause.”
The generosity of Widmer Brothers – and the thirst of the crowd – provided additional proceeds for the Parkrose Youth Activities Fund.
Multnomah County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts and his wife sit down to a great barbecue chicken dinner grilled by the Parkrose Lions Club, and served up by dozens of hard-working volunteers.
It takes a whole crew of hard-working volunteers to serve more than 1,500 freshly-made strawberry-shortcake desserts.
Folks look forward to the action of the Wild West Show and Civil War Reenactment.
As evening falls, the Barn Bash Corral fills with folks having a great time.
After dinner, hundreds take to the barn dance floor and kick up their heels into the night, to the music of “The Last Rodeo Band”.
The “clean, blue suites” provided by Craig Mendenhall’s American Sani-Cans were a big relief to Barn Bash party-goers.
Mark your calendar now!
Looking back on the 2006 Barn Bash, Joe Rossi told us, “We certainly couldn’t have this event without the dozens of volunteers who help in so many ways. Look for next year’s Barn Bash; it’s July 14, 2007.”
Foundation sponsors include the Parkrose Lions Club; Hasson Realtors, Nick Rossi PC Principal Broker; Widmer Brothers; Reser’s Fine Foods; Aldo Rossi; Tonkin Auto Group; Elmer’s Restaurants; Mid-County Memo; Oliveros & Obrien, PC; Graziano Foodservices, Inc.; William Frank Bitar & Associates ‚Äì and of course, Rossi Farms.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See lots of photos of this great event, put on by the Parkrose Business Association, which raised enough money to fund three scholarships for Parkrose High seniors next year …
On a hot day like this, everyone thanked Parkrose School District (Michael Taylor, Superintendent) for providing a grassy field – instead of a sizzling asphalt tarmac, for the event.
Photos and story by David F. Ashton
Almost any kind of unique vehicle one could imagine was at the 2006 Rose Festival Cruise-in in Parkrose on June 24. There were tricked out contemporary cars and motorcycles, vintage racers, trucks, and military vehicles on display.
Some said the scorching hot weather kept the attendance down slightly, at this –the only Rose Festival sanctioned event held in outer East Portland. But it was clear, from the faces of the participants and attendees alike, that this event was a success by all measures.
“I’m so happy to be here,” said Sarah Lang, a winner of a 2006 Parkrose Foundation Scholarship. “I’m going to Pacific University next year. And it’s wonderful that our event raised enough money to fund three scholarships for Parkrose High seniors next year, too!”
Those who love cars weren’t disappointed. The wide array of vehicles was second to none. And, look at the photos below, and see why people in Parkrose are already looking forward to next year’s event!
Cruise-in “Pit Boss” Marsha Lee gets Portland Commissioner Sam Adams ready to give out one of many awards.
Gail Bash, starts up a “Blow-Up” car ‚Äì a vehicle drained of oil and coolant. For $1 a guess, participants estimate how many minutes and seconds it will take for the car’s engine to seize up.
Climbing the wall at the Kids Play Center is Alan Schmidt – he and his folks came to the Rose Festival Cruise-in from Beaverton.
Remote control racer Richard Donovan working on his Low-C JRSX 10th Scale Electric, 10-turn. Donovan’s comment: “I’m not winning, but I sure am having fun!” (Learn more about this great hobby at www.RoseCityRacing.com)
Working the Parkrose Rose Festival Cruise-in’s “Company Store” are Cheryl Boud, Deidre Bond and Debbie Hollingsworth.
Eric Johansson, and Rob Kleyla of Davey Tree Service/OrganiCare give us an up-high view of the Cruise-in.
Here’s Keth Lewis with his yellow ’66 Shelby Cobra replica. “I always wanted one,” Lewis said. We asked if it was fun to drive. “It’s more fun than it looks. Much more.”
Kellie and Duane Caseday show off the 1911 White dump truck that they say has been in the family since it was brand new.
With many food vendors on hand, no one went hungry. Chef Edgar and Eileen Stocker brought great Steamers Restaurant food to the Cruise-in patrons.
To the music of the rockin’ band, Kelton McElhaney and Sadie McElhaney try doing the Hula Hoop.
A 2006 Parkrose Foundation scholarship winner, Sarah Lang, handing out an award. Lang will attend Pacific University next year.
For the third time, Lyle Davis wins “Best of Show 2006 Rose Festival Cruise-in”. He’s standing in front of his red ’39 Chevy Sedan, with name sponsor, Rex Hollingsworth of Rex Heating and Cooling.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
For over thirty years, Bill Dayton has been associated with great pizza at his SE 122nd Ave. and Division St. Pizza Baron store. But today, his motor-head friends all came over for a great parking-lot car show …
The heat of the day didn’t keep away some of the hottest cars in town on June 25!
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Before noon, the parking lot of the shopping center SE 122nd Ave. and Division St. was full. Amazing, because almost all of the stores are closed on Sunday!
Why? The event was the The Pizza Baron Cruise In 2006.
Charlene Mersereau shows off her 1966 Cobra to Bill Dayton. “”I like the interior of the car,” she told us. “The stereo is great. And oh yes, I also love the motor. It drives great!”
Hosted by Classic Rides, the car club gave away dozens of great door prizes, dash plaques and trophies as “Joey’s Cruise-in Show” played the oldies and entertained both car owners and onlookers.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
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