Bazaar hosted by ‘Historic Parkrose’ volunteers

Here’s what was going on in that big tent along NE Sandy Boulevard during the Holidays …

Historic Parkrose hosts their first Outdoor Holiday Market.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Last year featured many “firsts” for the Historic Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative District. The organization hired an executive director, established an office, and began working to create policies and programs that will bring richness to the area, both in terms of business and of culture.

On December 14, Historic Parkrose hosted their first Outdoor Holiday Market, in the parking lot of Parkrose Hardware.

Santa Claus welcomes Drake Maul and Lara Mall as Historic Parkrose hosted its first Outdoor Holiday Market in outer East Portland.

Historic Parkrose Revitalization Manager Bridget Bayer, and Chair Kenneth Poirier of Five Points Collective, say their efforts are “all about building a better Parkrose”.

“We really want to find new ways to connect with the community,” smiled Chair Kenneth Poirier. “We want to make sure that people remember that we have an historic business district here.”

“As a community, we need to be supporting a business district and supporting the businesses that are here, within Parkrose,” Poirier told East Portland News. “The Holiday Market and other events are, as an organization, inviting the community into the area and reintroducing the community to its business district.”

Parkrose Business Association board members Karen Taylor, Mike Taylor, and Marsha Lee offer doughnuts as well as Parkrose-branded reusable shopping bags to folks who come to the bazaar.

Vendors Kat McHale (modeling mothers Bow Beanies), and Debi McHale. “I craft all while I watch TV in the evening; so far I’ve had a good time,” says Debi.

Events like the Holiday Market, Poirier commented, help Historic Parkrose meet its threefold mission:
Making Historic Parkrose a destination location (through district improvement and beautification projects),
Strengthening the business community (through training, technical assistance and helping to fill vacancies,) and
Connecting community by partnering with area schools, associations and community groups.

Learn more about this organization by viewing its website: CLICK HERE to open the homepage.

Parkrose High School’s Life Education of Adults Program students also visit Santa, taking a break from the selling of wrapping paper and other goods to raise funds for a field trip to Seattle.

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