Art, food, and fun abound – as ‘Montavilla First Friday’ returns

There are lots of good reasons to visit this returning monthly event, organizers say. Take a look, and then plan to see for yourself on May 3 …

A cold drizzle doesn’t stop folks from coming to enjoy the initial “Montavilla First Friday” of the season.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although the kickoff event for 2013 was greeted with winter-like weather, lots of folks still came out to celebrate the start of “Montavilla First Friday” along SE Stark Street on April 5.

“I believe this is our fourth season,” said event chair Kathryn Lowe of Alleviate Massage Therapy about it, sponsored by Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA).

Montavilla First Friday organizer Kathryn Lowe introduces vendor Jadene Mayla of Mayla Artworks LLC.

“The weather has reduced the numbers of street vendors,” Lowe observed, “but many businesses are having sales, showing art, and offering food and drink specials. With better weather, visitors will find a dozen or so craft artisans and other vendors here for our First Friday events.”

Businesses associated with METBA sponsor it, Lowe said, either to introduce people to the area, or reintroduce neighbors to the wide variety of businesses along SE Stark Street, from the I-205 Freeway west to Mt. Tabor.

Showing off her stylish and sophisticated women’s wear at the Union Rose store is Alyson Clair of Clair Vintage Inspired Clothing.

The Union Rose shop, Alyson Clair of Clair Vintage Inspired Clothing was having a trunk show.

“What I like best about being here,” Clair said, “is that Union Rose only carries items that are made here in Portland. It’s great to meet the neighbors who come buy, especially for ‘First Friday’.”

Montavilla Food Co-op boosters Mark Holden, VP Ben Cutler, Connie Jan and Amanda Ryan promote memberships during this first Friday event.

A group of enthusiastic supporters of the Montavilla Food Co-op were on hand to tell guests about their program and invite them to be members.

“Last month, we elected our Board of Directors,” Board Member Amanda Ryan told East Portland News.

“We’re continuing to build membership up to the point where we can open a storefront,” Ryan continued. “Right now we have 170 owner/members which, is really good. But, we need between 800 and 1,000 before we open the store – which is, realistically, up to about 2½ years out.”

The upbeat musical trio of Slim Bacon, Scotty D., and Dan Gunderson play in front of the business sponsoring their performance, Oregon Bike Shop on SE 81^st Avenue just north of SE Stark Street.

Erin Hildahl watches as her pooch, Boomer, demonstrates “K-9 Nose Work” in Personal Beast.

At Personal Beast, a couple of owners were demonstrating a new sport involving dogs, called “K-9 Nose Work”.

“The dogs learn to do it – it’s basically instinctual to them – which is to follow their noses,” explained Erin Hildahl.

“Once they have the source, they find a treat,” Hildahl said. “In this case it was essential oil. The good thing about this is that any dog can do this, including dogs that are reactive and don’t get on with other dogs.”

Check out next Montavilla First Friday on May 3

During their next event:

Academy Theater will feature photography by Travis Antosh;
Cascade Athletic Club 205 will host a complimentary Zumba class at 5:30 p.m.;
It’s a Gift provides wine and cheese refreshments and 10% sale;
Oregon Bike Shop has all rain gear on sale, and hosts Mountain Bike Scenic Photo Show;
Union Rose presents a trunk show featuring Hubris Apparel plus featured artist Lindsay Saunders;
Craft Vendor preview: T-shirt printer, jewerly, leather accessory artist, hand painted greeting cards, Stained Glass art by Dancing Glass Studio.

And, check our Community Calendar for information about their returning Montavilla Street Fair, scheduled for July 21, 2013

For more information, visit the METBA website: CLICK HERE to open it.

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