After-parade fair delights families, builds community

See all the fun that was had at the Multi-Cultural Community Fair, following the 2015 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade …

Visitors stop and see what is being offered at some of the 60 booths at this year’s Multi-Cultural Community Fair.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Again this year, after the 2015 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade headed out of Eastport Plaza Shopping Center on the morning of April 25, the Multi-Cultural Community Fair got underway in the front parking lot.

It wasn’t long until thousands of parade-watchers had walked or driven back to the fair, to enjoy a spring festival that highlights East Portland’s diverse offerings. A stage featuring live entertainment, plus more than 60 vendor and community booths and a car show, were big attractions.

Eastport Plaza General Manager Dianne Gill and Office Manager Raelynn Evans take a break, as the Multi-Cultural Community Fair gets underway.

“In a way, it’s like we’re holding a big party for all of our neighbors here in outer East Portland,” explained Dianne Gill, Manager of Eastport Plaza.

“In addition to having live music and multicultural entertainment for the families who come to the fair,” Gill told East Portland News, “it also provides neighborhood and community service groups an opportunity to meet folks, as well as to provide spaces for commercial vendors and offer the FUNtastic Carnival.”

Students from the Portland Chinese Art and Cultural Center present their beautiful, classical dance routine.

The Beat Goes On band – with too many members to fit into one photograph – play popular tunes to entertain the crowd.

This year’s entertainers presented both popular and traditional presentations representing their home countries, including:

The United States, including Hawaii
Mexico
China
India
Vietnam
Middle East
Cambodia

Representing the East Portland Chamber of Commerce: Tom Rich of Worry Free Workplace.

The many vehicles from the Classic Car Cruise-in attract admirers and enthusiasts.

With more than 200 vehicles on display, the Classic Car Cruise-in was back this year, attracting the attention of passers by. Antique, classic and specialty vehicles, including a display of motorcycles, provided car buffs much to see and enjoy.

Karen Reinholt pauses between “makeup clients” as she paints designs on hundreds of smiling faces.

Jack Woodhouse and Emily Nelson take a fun ride on the FUNtastic Carnival swings.

“The management of Eastport Plaza is happy to provide much-needed, old-fashioned free family fun,” Gill said. “With free pony rides, face painting, live music and fun, it’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the community for supporting us for more than six decades.”

Eva Champie, from the Lents neighborhood, takes her first pony ride!

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