Foster Road businesses welcome Holidays with traveling tree

What’s a ‘Traveling Twiggy Tree’? Find out all about it; we were there as it was unveiled for the season in outer East Portland …

Hundreds of neighbors come out to support the second annual Tree Lighting in Laurelwood Park, planned by the Foster Area Business Association.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Members and the Board of Directors of the Foster Area Business Association (FABA) decided to let “Black Friday” pass, and hold their own Holiday Season kickoff on the evening of “Giving Tuesday”, November 29.

“We’re all here in Laurelwood Park – that little triangular shaped park along SE Foster Road and Holgate Boulevard – for our second annual tree lighting,” smiled FABA President Matthew Micetic of Red Castle Games.

FABA President Matthew Micetic and District Organizer Marina Martinez-Bateman are filled with Holiday cheer, as neighbors begin filling up the park for their celebration.

“This year, we have been able to light a larger section of the tree in the park, bring lots of hot cocoa, and provide goodie bags for everyone,” Micetic told East Portland News. Included in the bags being given away were activities, recipes, and information.

Under strings of Christmas lights blinking green and blue, several canopies were set up in the park for crafts and community information.

Making crafts are Vanessa Kinyon and Gretchen Kinyon.

“All 44 members are represented in the book, and sponsors provided the content for the special pages,” explained FABA District Organizer Marina Martinez-Bateman, from the city-underwritten support organization Venture Portland.

Foster-Powell Neighborhood Association Co-chair Eric Furlong was at the festive evening, promoting the businesses along Foster Road.

“We’re here supporting FABA, because the more businesses that spring up around Foster Road, the more livable and walkable the neighborhood is,” Furlong remarked. “And, having neighbors come out and support our businesses, helps attract other businesses to the Foster Road area.”

Both of them from Trumell Visual Communications, volunteers Laura Kropf and Steve Trumell serve hot chocolate.

Looking forward to 2017, FABA’s Micetic said businesspeople anticipate continued growth, and more community events.

“And, without a doubt, we’re looking forward to ‘shovels hitting the pavement’ as we see the Foster Road Streetscape come in to fruition,” Micetic added.

Visitors admire the FABA “Traveling Twiggy Tree” before it heads off to its first destination for the season.

By the time the tree was lit, the more than 300 folks in attendance were also introduced to the FABA “Traveling Twiggy Tree” – an ongoing tradition.

That tree signals that the business where it’s staying at that moment is offering special Holiday deals. Looking ahead, it’s visiting the Red Castle Games (12/6 to 12/13), Backstory Books (12/13 to 12/20), and Carts on Foster (12/20 to 12/27).

Find out more about FABA by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

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