“Community Fair and Cruise-in” on 82nd signals the start of summer of fun

Look here – and you’ll see all the fun that followed the annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade! It ranged from hot cars to “atomic-hot” chicken wings …

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Cadets Bailey Berg, Cody Summers, and Gabrial Rickard greet the public at the Carnival Days Community Fair.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Folks looking for more fun after the annual 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade was over on April 28 found it at the “Carnival Days Community Fair” at Eastport Plaza.

On the main stage was a wide variety of cultural performances, featuring Asian, Hispanic, and musical performers, an interactive martial arts demonstration, balloon artists, and more.

Folks fill the “midway”, as one of many groups provides unique cultural entertainment.

“Community businesses, service organizations, and Eastport Plaza merchants get together to provide this fun-filled day as a gift to our community,” explained the organizer, and shopping center manager, Dianne Gill. “That’s why all of our entertainment attractions are provided free of charge.”

2012 Carnival Days Community Fair Photo Album

These young performers “fuel up” on a very American treat – pizza!

Funtastic Traveling Shows provides a thrilling roller-coaster ride for Cassidy Didder and Angelique Herzberg.

At the East Portland Neighborhood Office booth, Hazelwood Neighborhood Chair Arlene Kimura helps neighbors get more involved in their local government.

The Community Fair Cruise-In continues to be a popular attraction of the event, as 100 classic, custom, and specialty vehicles vie for trophies.

Darin Campbell, with Coffin Cruisers Hearse Club, said he “accidentally” bought his vehicle on eBay in 2008 – but now loves showing off his 1973 Cadillac Victoria hearse.

Casondra Probert helps her little nephew enjoy his very first pony ride.

Performing one of their traditional dances are the “Hmong Colorful Waterlilies”.

It’s 10-foot-tall circus artist Heather Pearl, bending down to say hello.

Taking the challenge seriously, Quentin Parker shows he’s downed his 15 “Atomic Hot Wings”, and is this year’s Hot Wings Challenge winner. “My, they’re really hot!” he says.

Eastport Wing Stop manager Alan Shaffer congratulates this year’s challenge winner, Quentin Parker.

Eastport Plaza General Manager Dianne Gill says the shopping center is happy to provide much-needed old-fashioned free family fun.

Since 1960, Eastport Plaza has long been a respected part of its community. To visit its website, CLICK HERE.

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