After the 2014 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade, see why so many people then attended this charming community event …
So animated is this colorful creature, brought to life by acrobats from Lee’s Association Lion Dance Team, that a boy reaches out to pet the “Good Luck Lion”.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After the 2014 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade made its way up the street, delighting thousands of viewers, many folks came to Eastport Plaza to enjoy the Multicultural Celebration at the Community Fair.
On the main stage, dance and musical acts from many countries entertained the crowd. MC Vanessa Sin kept the afternoon-long program lively as she helped the program transition from one group to another.
These prancing Good Luck Lions entertain the crowd.
Karen Reinholt demonstrates her skill as one of the region’s top airbrush face painters.
Division Midway Alliance board member Lorelei Young with Keepsake Family Tree Video greets Eastport Plaza Manager Dianne Gill.
“It makes such a wonderful day to see people of so many lands and cultures come together to in a celebration of community,” Eastport Plaza Manager Dianne Gill said.
“In addition to the entertainment, the Classic Car Cruise-In has brought in scores of specialty vehicles and classic cars,” Gill told East Portland News.
Many vehicles are on display at the Classic Car Cruise-in.
On stage, these Portland Art and Cultural Center dancers charm the audience.
Cheyenne Vick looks like she’s enjoying her first ride, as she gently pets her pony.
Visitors also found representatives from neighborhoods, business organizations, and commercial vendors, ready to welcome them.
“We have so many things that are here for free for the community,” Gill pointed out, “including pony rides, face painting with Karen Reinhold, caricatures being drawn by an artist, and the fun BJ the Clown has with kids while making balloon sculptures.”
The always-clever and entertaining BJ the Clown squeaks together a balloon poodle dog for a delighted child.
Members of the Portland Police Cadets assemble for a team photo.
On the carnival midway, Aubrey and Adriel Banks enjoy a ride on the Dipper Swings provided by Funtastic Traveling Shows.
Multicultural Celebration and Community Fair Photo Album
MC Vanessa Sin introduces a really big band.
The Beat Goes On Marching Band’s leader starts off the group on another tune.
Check out their website and see why the Beat Goes On Marching Band is raising funds for a trip to perform in China.
With a little help from a US Marine, Erik Hoover does chin-ups.
This fellow reaches new heights as a stilt-walking entertainer.
Gill said that dozens of volunteers work hard to put on the Multicultural Celebration and Community Fair as a labor of love.
“Giving our outer East Portland community positive entertainment and family fun helps bring people of all cultures together,” Gill observed. “Just look at all the smiles; it’s totally worth it.”
© 2014 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
click here to subscribe
