Happy throng takes over SE Division St. for annual parade

The Division-Clinton Parade and Fair gets better every year.
Take a look at our photo album of this mid-summer event …

Darice Robinson, President of DCBA, Nancy Chapin, festival coordinator; Rin Carroll Jackson, parade coordinator register parade participants.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
SE Division and Clinton Streets took on a carnival atmosphere on July 26 as the neighborhood’s parade and community fair got under way.

“Our parade started and ended with a band,” said Jean Baker, Past President of the area’s business association. “Sandwiched in the middle was a pageant of politicians, those who would be politicians, a church pew rolling westward, the devil on a bicycle blowing bubbles, and neighbors in artistically creative costumes.”

Folks lined SE Division St. to watch the colorful procession.

The big, bold “Get A Life Marching Band” was a hit at this year’s parade.

“Miss Communication” (and festival coordinator) Rin Carroll Jackson skates westward.

From SE 50th Avenue west to the end of the parade at SE 26th Avenue at SE Clinton Street were neighbors who cheered the parade’s participants.

They were treated to music on the move, played by the offshoot of the “One More Time Around Again Band” – namely the “Get A Life Marching Band”. And, the “Last Regiment” syncopated drummers’ lively beat helped move the marching pageant down the street.

Portland City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams once again strolls down the street during this annual event.

A Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division officer looks bemused to see a pew from the Richmond Community Church rolling down the street – with parishioners still seated!

A candidate for Portland City Council Position #1 greets folks along the route, and asks for their support.

Mark Strek holds Hannah who, along with Shari Sokel, enjoy the parade.

Street fair follows parade
Along the route, merchants held sidewalk sales, and restaurants sold food and beverages to those watching the parade – and others who came afterward to stroll around the area.

Along SE Division Street, vendors set up to “show and sell” their goods.

Folks from the OHSU team offered $5.00 bike helmets for children and adults. About 100 vendors peddled their wares, and nonprofit groups pitched their programs, under colorful canopies on the closed avenues along SE Division Street after the parade.

Kids’ activities abounded, including bounce rooms, face painting, cookie decorating, and games.

The Clinton Street business district turned into a street fair for the day – and into the evening.

Action moves to SE Clinton Street
Festival producers closed off SE Clinton Street at SE 26th Avenue turning a block into a street party.

Restaurants, lounges and coffee shops did a big business as neighbors enjoyed live music – and each other’s company – well into the evening.

“Safety Jack” chauffeurs Chelsa Cain and Eliza Mohan in his PediCab.

Adults, but mostly kids, danced to the beat of vintage music, played off a DJ’s 8-track tapes – and later, to the music of a live band.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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