Belmont’s trolley bell signals late summer fair

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

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