‘Street Fair’ shows off modern Montavilla

It’s more than just a party! See how this fair introduced hundreds of people to the revitalized Montavilla business district …

This year’s Montavilla Street Fair looks to be real family affair.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With entertainment and arts as the draw, visitors flocked to the streets of downtown Montavilla like never before as the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) held its second annual Street Fair on July 22.

A closed-off side street served as a merchants’ bazaar, featuring crafts, kids’ entertainment, and a live music stage.

Alema McCra, METBA’s secretary, is on hand to tell folks about their own neighborhood business district.

Its worth the effort, said METBA Secretary Alema McCrea of AMC Bookkeeping & Tax Service, LLC. “It invites people from outside the Montavilla area to discover the wonderful and varied amenities our business district has to offer.”

“And, it’s important for the business and residential community to have an event that celebrates the community as a whole,” added METBA President Mia Neuse, from Montavilla Community Acupuncture. “Bringing people together, having fun, learning about each other, are all possible through this type of event.”

Patience Ward sells her African-themed wares.

Guitar artist Allen Mathews serenades guests at the Montavilla Street Fair.

The fair was fun and interesting for a wide variety of people, Neuse observed – “from babies on up. And, the fact it didn’t ‘rain cats and dogs’ this year was good, too!”

Four key planners put on this year’s Street Fair, supported by eight additional volunteers who worked on obtaining the live music and the sound system, and supervising the beer garden – and an additional ten folks who pitched in on the day of the event itself, Neuse said.

Ted Brockwood shows off the “hand made” artwork of his daughter, Marielle Brockwood.

Chelsea Spink of PastryGirl tempts folks with Portland-made Staccato Gelato.

The lasting values volunteer with METBA hope to gain are numerous, Neuse and McCra said. These include working together for the greater good, coming together to create a valuable event, and reaching out to their outer East Portland community at large for support.

“And, it gives people an opportunity to experience the diversity of our business district,” McCra reflected.

Learn more about the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association at their website” CLICK HERE.

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