East Portland Fair “packs the Plaza”

Take a look, and see the good times folks had at this annual Community Fair …

Bringing music to the Community Fair are members of The Beat Goes On Marching Band.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After the 7^th Annual 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade on April 27, thousands of outer East Portland folks took advantage of the summer-like weather and extended their good times at the Community Fair at Eastport Plaza.

Visitors found representatives from neighborhoods, business organizations, and commercial vendors, ready to welcome them.

Ava Kong enjoys her first pony ride – one of the many free activities at the Community Fair.

Eastport Plaza Office Manager Raelynn Evans, and General Manager Dianne Gill, pause for a photo between organizing events.

“The Community Fair was a huge success,” smiled Dianne Gill of Eastport Plaza. “The community appeared to really enjoy the entertainment, vendors, cruise-in, and carnival.”

Allianna Hughes enjoys getting “made up” by face painter Karen Reinholt of Karen Reinholt Presents.

With hundreds of specialty vehicles on display, this year’s cruise-in attracts a lot of attention.

The cruise-in at the Community Fair registered 144 vehicles – from classics to customs – and even included hearses and other specialty vehicles.

“The ponies never stopped carrying kids, and the face painter and clowns were thrilled to see smiling faces on all of them,” Gill told East Portland News. “I was really pleased to see how much fun everyone appeared to have at the Army’s rock wall and with the Marines’ pull-up bar!”

Riding the Scrambler in the midway, Kim Stanfield, Shane Osborne, and Tara Osborne experience the thrill of the carnival.

The Community Fair provides non-profit organizations and community services an opportunity to meet their neighbors.

Asked why she and many volunteers put so much time and effort into the fair, Gill replied, “It seems like there are few family-friendly activities here in outer East Portland. Providing a day of positive entertainment for our neighbors helps build a sense of community here.”

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