Portland's Unique Summer Events

Now that summer is barely more than a month away, people are getting ready for their kids to be out of school. They're looking forward the the coming months of sunshine and outdoor activities. Portland residents will be taking their boats out on the water or gearing up for hikes in the nearby mountains. The Portland area teams with wildlife for hunters and fishermen. Birdwatchers can get out their boots and binoculars to head to the hills. But there are also activities in and around town for those who want to enjoy being outside or to take advantage of some free or low-cost activities near their home. This year, in particular, will see some pretty unique events that should please almost anybody.

http://www.rosefestival.org/ This year the Portland Rose Festival will celebrate its centennial year of festivities during a major portion of June with fireworks, parades and lots of boats on the water. But this year they'll be throwing some special centennial events in the mix and what is usually a week or more of partying outdoors becomes an entire month of celebration. If anyone is thinking about visiting the area now would be the year to do it. The whole affair is kicked off with a water's edge fireworks extravaganza, tall ships display and starlight parade on Friday, June 1. On the 7^th and 8^th there will be a huge rose show and concert outdoors, and the queens coronation and a grand ball will take place that weekend as well. Boating races and demonstrations will be featured at different times all during the month. But roses are the real queens of this mammoth celebration, so get ready to take advantage of the growers' presentations. The web site has a calendar of events. Plan to be busy all this month on this rare occasion. Consult the web site for times and tickets or call them at 503.227.2681 to get more information.

This year the Rose Festival Association is also putting on the city's largest civic celebration, the Waterfront Village event. For just $5 for those 13 and older, this family-friendly happening gives visitors the opportunity to see the tall ships, go on carnival rides and dine on the culinary delights presented by vendors in courtyard-style settings on the grounds of Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Bring the kids and get ready for some very special fun during the first week in June. Events begin at 5 p.m. on May 31, and then run through June 10^th. From June 1 and thereafter, the hours are from 11a.m.-11 p.m. This is a real treat for families who have kids that would love the boats, the pirates, and all the fun rides.

Try the Portland Saturday Market this summer also. The Saturday Market runs from March through December, but it's more fun in the summer when the weather warms up. It's free and it's fun to stroll the walkway among food vendors at the international Food Court. But this is really an outdoor arts and crafts market where folks can look at the fine work of artisans and purchase some unique original art. If you have your own art to sell, this is the place to do it. Families with kids will be happy to have their children discover their own hidden talents in the Kids Activity Booth. And as always, there's great live music on the Main Stage. So food, fanfare and fun will be waiting this summer on Saturdays, 10-5 and Sundays, 11-4:30. It's located under the Burnside Bridge between SW Front and First Avenue.

http://www.worldforestrycenter.org/organization/wfc_events.php The World Forestry Center is putting on The Day of the African Child this June and it should interest all families with kids. On the 16^th, bring your kids to this interactive event of story-telling and music. They will get to visit and African market and see and touch the colorful and exciting African crafts that will be displayed here. In July and August REI is putting on a show for children that teaches environmental "ethics" and how to enjoy the great outdoors in ways that will leave as little footprint as possible. Consult their calendar for all the other events they put on throughout the year as well. The African Child event will take place from 10-5. Wander through this museum with your kids any time as well to see the great forestry exhibits on display. It's educational and fun for all.