INCLUDES FUN VIDEO | See how neighbors in this tiny independent town, surrounded by outer East Portland, celebrated Independence Day this year …
Residents and friends gather before the City of Maywood Park Independence Day Parade begins.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been a lack of seasonal celebrations in outer East Portland. For years, folks looked forward to the Independence Day Parade held on the Friday before July 4th at Portland Parks & Recreation’s “East Portland Community Center” – but alas, it’s held there no more.
July 4th spirit alive and well in Maywood Park: Watch the video!
Although lagging in the City of Portland, patriotic traditions are still alive in the tiny, independent City of Maywood Park.
Some people don’t realize that this residential area, bounded by Interstate 205, the Banfield Freeway, and surrounded by the Parkrose neighborhood on two sides, is actually an independently incorporated city – and proudly not annexed into the City of Portland.
Preparing to take their annual photo, while perched high atop a ladder, here’s parade organizer Patrick F. Smith.
“The Maywood Park Parade Fourth of July Parade has been a tradition for decades, going back to the 1990s,” said the event’s coordinator and official photographer, Patrick F. Smith – while he was “directing traffic” at the start of the parade route.
“It’s important for us to put this on each year, because it gives us the opportunity to see all of our neighbors – many whom we haven’t seen during the winter months,” Smith told East Portland News.
More folks take their places on SE Maywood Place.
Just before the parade steps off, everyone smiles for the official event photo.
“I think that when people meet in person – it makes for a stronger community; I really do,” opined Smith. “Events like this are what makes the City of Maywood Park a unique community.
“Good things that come from events like these include increasing a sense of community. Neighbors feel more comfortable in our neighborhood, and feel more of a sense of connectedness and community – which, in turn, tends to encourage neighbors to watch out and protect one another,” observed Smith.
Public safety for the small independent city is provided by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office; a deputy gives stickers to kids along the parade route.
The parade circles around the neighborhood back to SE Maywood Place. Photo by Patrick F. Smith; Maywood Park Studios
With temperatures climbing well over 90°, he was happy that participation in the parade was strong. “In 2020 and ’21, we didn’t have the parade; and 2022 was the first year it was back, but last year it wasn’t well attended,” Smith said.
“This year, we’ve got a lot more participants in the parade, a lot more folks watching – that’s exciting to see,” he added, before dashing off to photograph the parade in motion.
A highlight of the Maywood Park Picnic, held later that afternoon, was the “no-hands” pie eating contest! Photo by Patrick F. Smith; Maywood Park Studios
After the parade, the city presented a “block party” for its residents along the Maywood Place Commons, including a full barbecue hosted by Fresh Start Catering, with brews from local Gateway Brewing.
© 2023 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™