INCLUDES COOL VIDEO | Take a look, and you’ll see why so many who attended this outer East Portland event found it a highlight of their summer …
Lots of folks are having fun at the 2023 “Summer Nights”, hosted by the Historic Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Originated in 2014 by the Historic Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative (HP), the “Summer Nights” celebration has become part of the fabric of the community
After a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, “Summer Nights” returned last year.
CLICK HERE to read that story and see the video.
Browsing the booths set up by the many local businesses and nonprofit organizations is a favorite activity at the Summer Nights celebration.
Showing her graphic entitled “Golden Girls”, here’s artist Kari Schumacher of Positive Discourse.
This year, Summer Nights was held on Wednesday evening, July 19. The “street party” was again on temporarily-closed NE 104th Avenue, in the area south of Sandy Boulevard.
Reflecting afterward on it for East Portland News, HP Interim Executive Director Annette Stanhope said that this was one of their best public events so far.
For those wishing for a cold libation on a hot summer evening, Karen and Joel Sheley of Gateway Brewing are close at hand.
“A couple of vendors said that this felt like the safest public event they’d been to all summer,” reported Stanhope.
“People who came here were respectful, encouraging, and enthusiastic – and not acting rude or entitled,” She continued. “Those who attended expressed happiness in being here!”
Take a look at the fun held at this great summertime event, held in Parkrose:
Hosting Summer Nights supports HP’s mission in a variety of ways, Stanhope explained. “First of all, it brings visibility to our commercial district and provides a safe and fun environment for enjoying the area.
“It also has the sort of activities that people are hungry for, here – live music, kids’ activities, art, and unique vendors,” continued Stanhope. “This can show potential businesses that they’d be welcome here.”
Olive and Dingo – “The People’s Clowns” – entertain, as they squeakily create balloon animals, many of which have never been seen in nature!
Shireen Press from Motion Magic PDX is one of those on hand to provide physical activities for kids.
And, because part of HP’s mission is supporting small businesses, Summer Nights provides a venue for many small and emerging businesses to sell their wares and promote their professional services, Stanhope pointed out.
The celebration hosted 35 exhibitors, including those from nonprofit organizations and government agencies providing information and access to resources to community members. “And, the it also attracted hot food vendors,” Stanhope pointed out.
At Summer Nights, old acquaintances are renewed, and new friends are made.
All this, plus entertainers like Dingo and Olive on hand entertaining the kids with songs – and also balloon animals. Additionally a troupe from Motion Magic PDX provided active kids’ activities – all while live music played.
An estimated 500 folks attended this street party over the course of the evening; things were bustling right up to closing time at 9 p.m.
Many of those attending buy their supper from the vendors, and dine with family and friends at the provided tables.
“Lots of cool things happened tonight, but what stands out to me is that I think more people got excited about the possibilities of growing this event [further, in the future],” remarked Stanhope. “It seemed like everywhere I looked, people were smiling and enjoying themselves.
“Coming out of the pandemic, we really need more opportunities like this to reconnect with each other!”
Making Summer Nights happen this year were Historic Parkrose Interim Executive Director Annette Stanhope, and HP Board Members Leah Maurer, Ben Batti, Andrea Pastor, Ed Charles, J.R. Lilly, Jen Hudyma, and Samantha Montanaro.
HP Board Members and sponsors
“Our wonderful Board Members Samantha Montanaro, Leah Maurer, and Ben Batti worked really hard in setting up and running the event after our original event planner had a medical emergency,” commended Stanhope.
“And, many thanks to Portland Events and Film, East Portland Action Plan, and Venture Portland for supporting us financially. And we thank the Bitar Brothers and Chapel of Mercy for letting us use their vacant lot and parking spaces,” she concluded.
For more information about Historic Parkrose, visit their website: CLICK HERE.
© 2023 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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