Walk to End Alzheimer’s

On Sunday I photographed the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the second consecutive year at Pioneer Courthouse Square. When I arrived, one of stories I heard from a speaker last year was still fresh in my mind. As I walked around taking pictures, I heard additional stories about loved ones who suffer from this tragic disease. When you hear one of these stories, you won’t forget it. The people that come each year to participate in this event are heroes. They have helped raise millions of dollars to advance care, support and research for the Alzheimer’s Association. My congratulations go out to everyone who participated in this event on Sunday at the Square.

Drums on the Square

When I approached the Square on Friday afternoon, I could hear the sound of Native American drums. They were coming from the 6th Annual “American Indian Day Celebration.” The event included Northwest Tribal leaders, Indian advocates, drum groups, dancers, and arts and crafts vendors who shared their talents and experiences with the Portland community. Tribal organizations set-up booths displaying health, education, youth and other programs they provide on behalf of Northwest Tribes and the Portland Indian community. For additional about NPAIHB, click here. http://npaihb.org/

Viva Mexico

On Thursday the Mexican-American community celebrated El Grito de Idependencia, at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The event was free and open to the entire community. Everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the food, music and dance of Mexico. Just as the event was getting in full swing, it was deluged by a huge downpour around 5:30 P.M. Fortunately, the skies cleared and everything got back to normal. This was a fun event and I hope it becomes an annual classic on the Square. If it’s back next year, I certainly will make every effort to be there. Viva Mexico!

Camera angles

It should be obvious that I like to take photographs at Pioneer Courthouse Square. I have over 600 posted on this photo blog. I’m not the only one. Just about everyone in Portland who has a camera, has photographed something or someone on the Square. Sometimes getting the right photo takes a little extra effort, but it’s always worth it.

Blue Line Birthday

Twenty-five years ago, on September 5, 1986 the first Blue Line MAX arrived at Pioneer Courthouse Square. It was built to connect Gresham with downtown Portland. It took two years and $214 million dollars to complete the project. Pioneer Courthouse Square had been completed two years earlier on April 6, 1984. Approximately 60 trains a day arrive at the Square from Gresham. That would be roughly 21,900 trains a year, or, 547,500 in twenty-five years. Wow, that’s amazing! Today, we have four-lines from north, south, east and west arriving at the Square hundreds of times a day. The number of people the MAX system deposits at the Pioneer Courthouse Square each day is unbelievable. No wonder this place is so much fun. Check out train arrival. lhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9Br1B99eYk