After-parade fair delights neighbors

Here’s where folks went, after the 2018 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade was over; the Multicultural Fair and the Cruise-in were key attractions …

The midway of the Multicultural Celebration, Community Fair, and Carnival, at Eastport Plaza, in the Lents neighborhood of outer East Portland, is filled with families having a fun day.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

After the 2018 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade made its way up the thoroughfare on the overcast morning of April 28, delighting thousands of bystanders, many of them came to Eastport Plaza, where the parade began, to enjoy the Multicultural Celebration at the Community Fair and Carnival, to enjoy the afternoon.

On the main stage of the Multicultural Celebration, dance and musical acts from many countries entertained the crowd.

On the main stage, these dancers from the Monalisa Art Institute perform.

Nancy Chapin of The Support Group spends a moment with event organizer, Eastport Plaza Manager Dianne Gill, and Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, the only elected city or county official to visit the Multicultural Fair.

“To see so many people from many different cultures come together to celebrate makes this a wonderful day for our community,” said Eastport Plaza Manager Dianne Gill.

“In addition to the entertainment, the Cinema Classic Cars Cruise-In has brought in scores of specialty vehicles and classic cars that people enjoy seeing,” Gill told East Portland News.

Three princesses pose for a photo: Miss Oregon for National American Miss Deja Fitzwater, “Clown Princess” Cha-cha the Clown, and the International Junior Miss Pageant’s Miss Oregon, Allison Cook.

“Balloon Artist” Scott Davis squeaks together another creation.

Also ready to welcome visitors were representatives from neighborhoods, business organizations, and commercial vendors.

“We have so many things that are here for free for the community,” Gill pointed out, “including a petting zoo, face painting with Karen Reinhold, caricatures being drawn by an artist – and the ‘Balloon Artist’ Scott Davis has fun with kids while making balloon sculptures.”

Cruise-in observers browse among 90 cars officially registered at the car show presented by Cinema Classics Car Club, in support of their charity, the dog rescue group, OSCAR.

This free petting zoo delights many families visiting the fair.

Gill said that dozens of volunteers work hard to put on the Multicultural Celebration and Community Fair as a labor of love.

“Giving our outer East Portland community this positive entertainment and family fun helps bring people of all cultures together,” Gill observed. “Just look at all the smiles; this effort is certainly worthwhile.”

Multicultural Celebration and Community Fair Photo Album

Karen Reinholt demonstrates her skill as one of the region’s top airbrush face painters.

This group, from Indonesian Performing Arts of Oregon, is ready to perform at the Multicultural Celebration.

At the FunTastic Carnival, Vibieenne Dustin and her dad, Steve Dustin, enjoy a ride on the swings.

Taking a daring ride on the Flying Tiger roller coaster are Kalaah Anderson and Raymond Anderson, and behind them, Micah Nowack and Claire Nowack.

Here’s an entertainer everyone at the fair looks up to!

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