What? You haven’t seen the OTHER parade in outer East Portland? It isn’t too late! Plan now to enjoy the Lents Founder’s Day events on August 19-20 ‚Ķ
At a Sunday in Lents Park concert, Owen Lingley, is taking an invitation to Lents Founder’s Day from former Lents Neighborhood chair, Judy Welch, at Sunday Concert in Lents Park.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
August is the month for family fun in the Lents neighborhood! The Sunday “Concerts in Lents Park” lead up to the annual Founder’s Day celebration.
Rockin’ the park
On August 13, come see “The Jumpers” ‚Äì they’re sure to rock the park. Concert runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Gazebo, located south of the ball fields along SE 92nd Ave.
Parking is available all around Lents Park. Here’s a tip: The city is working on 92nd Ave. between SE Powell and SE Holgate Streets ‚Äì so plan an approach from the south! These concerts are presented by Portland Parks & Recreation, and area businesses.
At a Lents Softball game years ago, EPNO’s executive director Richard Bixby bats, Eastport Plaza’s manager, Ken Turner, pitches; and, Lansing Linoleum’s Kathleen Lansing catches — all the LENTS REBELS team.
Softball madness
Then, on August 19, it’s the annual Lents Founders Softball Game. See the return of this great event, which pits the downtown officials, teamed as the “City Stickers” against the brave, relentless, and dashing “Lents Rebels”.
You may be surprised at the high level of excitement and competition during this “grudge match” game! The action gets underway at 4:00 p.m. at Lents Little League Field, located at the southeast corner of SE 92nd Ave. and Harold St. Come out and cheer the locals on to another victory!
The Founder’s Day Celebration
Finally, capping off the month of fun, it’s the15th Annual Lents Founders Day celebration. There’s so much to see and do at this annual celebration ‚Äì including a street parade, music, and the fair.
At 12:00 noon, the Lents Founder’s Day Parade gets underway, traveling around Lents Park.
After the parade, the Lents Founder’s Day Celebration begins. It includes Native American and old-fashioned pioneer historical exhibits, and games ‚Äì a horseshoe tournament, tug-of-war, and ’40s Big Band music by the Providence Stage Band from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy a drink of icy-cold Lents Lansing Linoleum Lemonade. And, back by popular demand: Hot dogs provided by The New Copper Penny, a Lents-area fixture for decades.
Come out and enjoy the fun in Lents! We’ll see you there!
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News