Powellhurst/Gilbert neighbors celebrate with party and parade

So, exactly what activities drew 250 neighbors to
this late-summer event? Take a look …

Event Coordinator Delores Wood lines up the parade at the Powellhurst/Gilbert Neighborhood Fair at Raymond Park.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Visiting neighborhood-sponsored activities is one of our summertime joys – and the Powellhurst/Gilbert Neighborhood Fair on August 16 was no exception.

More than a dozen organizations – ranging from Leach Botanical Gardens, to the Midway Business Association, to city and county agencies – provided information and goodies in tents set up in Raymond Park – on SE 118th Avenue, between SE Holgate Boulevard and SE Harold Street.

Lots of children’s activities kept the young ones occupied during the event.

Bill Dayton, owner of Pizza Baron and president of the area’s business association, brought pizza to the event for everyone to enjoy.

Entertaining and informing neighbors
“It’s important to hold events like this,” said organizer Delores Wood, “to provide some entertainment for people in our neighborhood. But another important reason for holding this fair is to be able to tell about the changes that are going on in our area.”

Wood said that, in exchange for putting residents’ names in a raffle, the Powellhurst/Gilbert Neighborhood Association was able to build their mailing list to help keep residents informed about meetings and neighborhood news.

“There’s so much change here,” Wood added. “It’s good to be informed about the new businesses moving in, street improvements, crosswalks, sidewalks, and other issues.”

More than a dozen booths provided information about businesses, community services and non-profit organizations to folks – in this, the largest of all outer East Portland neighborhoods.

Let the parade begin! The procession marched all around the perimeter of Raymond Park.

“It’s always fun to celebrate, no matter what the cause,” added Wood. Over the course of the day, even in the hot sultry weather, the event attracted some 250 neighbors.

This band – and their crew – provided great music throughout the afternoon at the Powellhurst/Gilbert Neighborhood Fair.

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