2011 Holiday Tree

Tree time

They’re at it again. The tree assembly crew has just about finished their work on the 2011 Christmas tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Every year a crew of three or four workers spend several cold and rainy days adding additional branches and lighting to the tree, in preparation for the lighting ceremony. The festivities begin at 5:30 P.M. on Friday, November 22. This year's event will feature a holiday sing-a-long featuring Pink Martini, members of the Oregon Symphony, and the Pacific Youth Choir. For the complete scoop of the tree preparation, check out our links from November 2010.

Tree arrival: http://squarepeople.blogspot.com/2010/11/tree-arrived.html

Assembly required:http://squarepeople.blogspot.com/2010/11/assembly-required.html

Heres the scoop: http://squarepeople.blogspot.com/2010/11/heres-scoop.html

A fishy story

When I visited the Square today, I was pleased to find an organization with a clever idea to raise money for the Oregon food Bank, and promote their new restaurant at the same time. The Portland Seafood Company opens today at Mall 205 in Southeast Portland. To announce the opening they were on the Square to show people a sample of their seafood and give away free shrimp cocktails. What I liked most was the fish toss. People could purchase rubber fish for one dollar each, and attempt to toss them into a guy’s mouth for a chance to win a gift certificate to the restaurant. All the money received from the rubber fish toss will be given to the Oregon Food Bank. It was a cool idea for a really good cause.

Be seen, be safe

Sorry folks, I’m a little late posting this cool event on the blog. It’s Trimets second annual safety event held at Pioneer Courthouse Square last Friday evening. It’s was all about being visible when you’re walking or riding a bike after dark. It was loaded with ideas for being seen at night. They had a fashion show to prove that you can be fashionable, and seen by motorists at the same time. The event also featured entertainment and an evening bike ride. It was a fun event, but it made a serious point. Be sure you can be seen at night when walking or riding. Stop by a bike shop or sporting goods store and get some gear that will light you up at night. As I left and got on my bike to ride home, I noticed I need a new battery for my headlight, and a large blinking light for my backpack. Thanks Trimet for reminding me, I will take your advice!