Food and fun, at Lents ‘Summer Block Party’

INCLUDES ‘STREET PARTY’ VIDEO | See how this casual party put on by the Lents Neighborhood Livability Association made for a great Sunday afternoon in outer East Portland, not long ago …

In the Lents neighborhood, this section of SE 83rd Avenue is closed for a summer street party.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Upon learning some Lents neighbors wanted to host a “street party” on their block, members of the Lents Neighborhood Livability Association (LNLA) stepped up and pitched in to present one on the Sunday afternoon of July 23.

First, LNLA volunteers contacted Party on Portland to obtain a permit for closing a section of SE 83rd Avenue – midblock, between Ramona Street and Foster Road.

At the LNLA table, providing information – and shave ice treats – are volunteers Sebastian Jarvis, Char Pennie, and Marilyn Thomas.

Realizing that on-street parking was scarce in that area, the owners of Automotive Outfitters Tire Pros, situated at the corner of SE Foster Road and 83rd Avenue, offered the use of their parking lot for folks arriving by car.

See how much fun, and food, they’re enjoying at the Lents Summer Block Party:

Some neighbors on the block, who had not previously heard of the LNLA, were delighted to find that they were welcome to participate in the afternoon’s festivities.

From the East Portland Community Office, volunteers borrowed tables, chairs, and canopies – which had been purchased for neighborhood events by the now-disbanded “East Portland Rovers” group, and set them up in the street.

LNLA member Sammy Manning serves herself from the Hawaiian buffet provided at the celebration.

The food was catered by Lei’d Back Hawaiian Cuisine, and the meal consisted of salads, pulled pork, and what many called the best barbecued chicken they’d had all summer!

Live music was performed by guitar virtuoso Steve Adams; and, kids’ entertainment was supplied in abundance by family entertainer, BJ The Clown.

And, at one time or another, all of the guests voiced appreciation the “comfort station” – a porta-potty and washing station – provided by Rapid Response.

Even though the temperature reached almost 90° that afternoon, under the shade of canopies, two dozen neighbors enjoyed a lovely day in Lents.

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