East Portland neighbors join in big Hallowe’en fest

INCLUDES VIDEO VIGNETTE | See why a few folks from outer East Portland traveled to Sellwood for this fun, family event …

The intersection near the Sellwood Community House is closed off for a block party ad their Spooktacular event takes place.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

In the years before the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic shut down events, many outer East Portland organizations provided safe, fun Hallowe’en events. It was so much fun, being at the Parkrose Trunk-or-Treat events, put on by the Parkrose Business Association; or, a Fall Festival, put on at the East Portland Community Center.

However, for the second year in a row, we’ve not been able to locate any such events taking place in outer East Portland.

Get a feeling for this fun Hallowe’en event
by watching our Video Vignette

So, we took advice of Lents neighbors who said that, two days before Hallowe’en, they were going to the nonprofit Sellwood Community House event, their 2021 Spooktacular – the afternoon and evening of Friday, October 29.

Attending this event, from the Woodstock neighborhood, are Amanda Park, with cute-as-a-bug Yoona Hsu Park. and Ben Hsu.

With S.E. Spokane Street closed off in front of the building – which once was PP&R’s Sellwood Community Center – families had fun with the arts, crafts, and carnival games set up there – and with a goat petting zoo, provided by “Portland Goat Parties”.

Earlier in the day, they’d hosted “Spooky Songs” with Mr. Hoo, Kelli Weille, and Jessica Campbell, with pumpkin cookies for all.

Starting at 4:30 p.m., they hosted a lower-key “Sensory Sensitive” Spooktacular time for those seeking a quieter celebration.

The “Mini Monster March” parade is lined up, and ready to step off.

Formerly with the Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division, these motorcycle officers roll out to provide an escort for this year’s “Monster March”.

Then, at 5:15 p.m. led by remaining members of the Portland Police Bureau’s Motorcycle Officers group – and in view of the Sellwood Moreland Business Alliance having cancelled their Moreland Monster March this year, due to the ongoing pandemic – they commenced a “Mini Monster March” parade in the immediate vicinity.

It headed west on SE Spokane Street, turned north on 13th Avenue, then east on Malden Street, returning to the Community House along S.E. 15th Avenue.

This street swells with revelers who walked the route; as many as 500 participants were in their “Mini Monster March” parade.

“I think this is a really great way for the community to connect together – especially during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic,” SCH Recreation Coordinator

Mackenzie Torres remarked to East Portland News. “We like to see people have a good time, connect, and be together.”

Comments are closed.