Ale and Honey Buckets

If you’re organizing an ale festival, the first two things on your to-do list should be ale and Honey Buckets. When I was at the square today to check on the preparations for the Holiday Ale Festival, I noticed they had received a large shipment of both these critical items. It looks like the organizers are off to a great start! The festival starts on Wednesday, December 1, and ends on Sunday, December 5.

Bomb plot foiled

Due to the relentless work of federal, local and state law enforcement agencies, a disaster of major proportions was avoided last night at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The last thing on my mind, as I watched the preparations for the tree lighting, was that someone was preparing to set off a bomb. National headlines across the country today centered on the attempted bombing at Pioneer Courthouse Square, including a statement from President Obama. A terrible tragedy was avoided, and for that, we are all incredibly grateful to those who prevented it from happening.

Two guys and a pigeon

I went to the square today to take pictures of anyone I found eating lunch in freezing weather. I was going to call it the “Hardy lunch bunch.” It was about 30 degrees when I arrived there at 12:30. These two guys and one pigeon were the only ones eating lunch on the square. I hung around for about a half hour to see if anyone else would show up for lunch. No one did, so I went home and enjoyed my lunch indoors at 70 degrees.

Soggy tree crew

I want to give a big “shout out” to the crew working on the completion of "Portland’s Tree" at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Attaching the branches, and wiring the lights, is a difficult job that has to be done by Friday. These guys are battling rain, cold, wind and a deadline to get the job done. Anyone passing through the square in the next couple of days should be sure to them “two thumbs up”, for a job well done.

Getting comfortable

Finding a comfortable position when sitting on bricks, or a hard chair on the patio at Starbucks isn’t easy. I’ve watched many people attempting to get comfortable on the square. Here are some of the solutions I’ve photographed in the past few months.

Here’s the scoop

As I said in yesterday’s post, I would find out how the missing branches were attached to the tree, and report it to my faithful readers. I was in for a big shock. The workers not only replace the missing branches, they add hundreds of additional branches from two or three other trees. It takes all the extra branches to make the tree thick enough for a spectacular lighting effect. New branches are nailed and wired to T-shaped brackets, raised up on a hydraulic lift and bolted to the tree. The whole process of adding new branches, and stringing the lighting takes over a week. The lights are turned on Friday, November 26 at 5:30 pm. Be there or be square.

Assembly required

Before the tree lights can be put on, the lower branches have to be attached. They are cut off so the tree can be put on a truck for delivery to the square. After they arrive at the square the branched are re-attached to the tree with Super-Glue. Just kidding. I don’t know how they attach the branches, but they don’t use Super-Glue. I will find out how they do it and let you know tomorrow.

The tree arrived

After wandering around the square with nothing going on, for what seemed like months, it was fantastic to see so much activity. The 2010 Winter Season kicked off with the arrival of Portland’s Tree from Stimson Lumber Company. This year’s tree was the eighth donated by Stimson Lumber Company. It was grown on sustainable forestlands near Gaston, Oregon. After being paraded down SW 6th Avenue, Commissioner Nick Fish accepted the tree on behalf of the City of Portland. The day also included carolers and a visit from Santa! I could tell by the mood on the square that people are ready to celebrate the holidays.

Square in the square

Since I’ve been doing this blog, I’ve never noticed this square in the middle of the square. These kids found it and decided it would be a great place to take off their jackets, lie down, and get some rest. I can’t believe I haven’t seen this square before.

Nobody’s listening

I decided to hang out for awhile today with Umbrella Man. He keeps talking, but nobody’s listening. I was hoping a group of tourists would stop by and have their picture taken with him, but no luck. He’s got it a lot tougher than me, I’m going home and have dinner, and he has to hang around the square all night.

One guy on the square

I was shocked when I arrived today at Pioneer Courthouse Square. It was 5:00 pm and this place should be bustling with people heading home. Fortunately for me, there was one lone guy standing in the middle of the square. If I intend to get material for this blog, I may have to camp out down here for the winter. If you see a tent and campfire, stop by and say hello.

Bright at night

TriMet teamed up with the Bike Gallery to promote safe biking and walking at night. They held a safety event at the square on Friday evening. The event featured a lighted bike ride, a reflective style show, giveaways and a lot more. Safety at night means being “bright at night” while biking or walking. There’s lots of great gear available to help you be seen. Be sure to light up that bike and wear reflective clothing. TriMet drivers and motorist really appreciate being able to see you at night.

Meanie Allman

That’s right, his name is Meanie. Sylvia, his best friend and companion, often brings him to the square. Meanie recently came to Sylvia’s rescue during a medical emergency. His persistent barking alerted neighbors to check in and call paramedics. Good job Meanie!