Madison High’s sports boosters host late-summer fair

Discover why volunteers worked to put on this colorful family event …

It’s hard to miss Portland’s preeminent family entertainer, the high-stilting Rhys Thomas – and his talented daughters, Madison High freshman Matilda Thomas and senior Isabel Thomas – as they draw attention to the school’s Community Fair.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Big, colorful bounce houses, the smell of hot dogs and burgers fresh off the grill, and delightful activities, combined to get folks passing by Glenfair Park to pull off NE 82^nd Avenue, and check out the Madison High School Community Festival on September 8.

“We’re holding this festival to help build positive community awareness of our school,” explained Madison High Senators Athletics Booster President Somalis Chan.

Madison High Athletics Booster President Somalis Chan spends a moment with volunteer grill chef Taina Heiberg.

Bounce houses are a familiar attraction at family-oriented festivals like this one.

“This is especially important, here in Northeast Portland,” Chan told East Portland News. “I feel that sometimes people talk poorly about our school. So, we wanted people in the community to ‘see the real faces of Madison’, and it’s important to have community awareness. This seemed like a good way to build unity.”

At the festival, student athletes were helping the vendors at many of the booths. “We also have our Garden Class here; they’ve just harvested crops this morning,” Chan pointed out.

With veggies fresh from the school garden, here’s Madison senior Jacqui Pacheco. Also shown are sustainable agricultural class instructor Susan Wiencke, and seniors Timothy Hainline and Salena Calderon.

Providing the “soundtrack” for the Madison High Community Festival are the combined members of two groups: the Beaver Boogie Band and 3 Night Stand.

“And, people are visiting our Library staff, where they’re doing a ‘book exchange’ – over there, next to the Art Department exhibit.”

Many of the fifty “faces of Madison” were helping out – including students, parents, and staff members.

A live rock band filled the air with great tunes; families enjoyed Italian Ice and other treats – and everyone present looked to thoroughly enjoy this sunny afternoon at the park.

Learn all about Madison High School at their official website: CLICK HERE.

Fun for all abounds in the inaugural year of the Madison High Community Festival.

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