El Grito / Fiestas Patrias

Hundreds of people showed up at Pioneer Courthouse Square on Saturday, September 15. They were there to celebrate Central American and Mexican Independence at El Grito! The celebration featured authentic Latino food, dance, and live Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico. It ran from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. This turned out to be a super event. One of the speakers said the event was not only to celebrate independence; it was also to celebrate the entire Latin Culture. In my opinion, they did a great job accomplishing both goals. I hope this event is back next year and for many more years to come. The crowd was reminded to update thier status on Facebook and Twitter, and I saw people whipping out their phones and taking care of business. Umbrella Man, who I know has never been to Latin America, was having a great time making new friends. He gave the event, "two big thumbs up!" 

Standard Volunteer Expo

The mission of the Standard Volunteer Expo is to give potencial volunteers the opportunity to meet with organizations that need help in acomplishing their missions. The Expo filled the Square with more than 100 non-profits that serve Portland and the surrounding areas so that community members can learn about these organizations. You can still sign up to volunteer with the organization of your choice, and help make a difference in the Portland-area! According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the volunteer rate rose by 0.5 percentage point to 26.8 percent for the year ending in September 2011. About 64.3 million people volunteered through or for an organization at least once between September 2010 and September 2011. The increase in the volunteer rate in 2011 followed a decline of equal size in 2010. The volunteer rate of women increased from 29.3 percent to 29.9 percent in the year ending in September 2011, while the volunteer rate for men, at 23.5 percent, changed little. Women continued to volunteer at a higher rate than did men across all age groups, educational levels, and other major demographic characteristics. It looks to me like men need to do more to catch up with the women in the area of volunteerism. For a complete list of organizations at today’s Expo, click here: Volunteer Opportunities

Festa Italiana 2012

The 21^st annual” Festa Italiana” was held on Pioneer Courthouse Square last Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I love this event! It’s all about music, food, friends and family. Several local Italian restaurants offered Italian food, wine and beer. All three days featured non-stop entertainment and dancing. On Friday, there was a grape stomp competition and pizza toss. There were several events for children, a big raffle and vendor booths! To purchase food and beverages you have to exchange dollars for Soldis. If you miss-calculate the exchange rate, you have to bring the remaining Soldis back next year. I have few Soldls left over for next year, and I can’t wait to spend them!

2012 Noon Tunes Conserts

For the 22nd year in a row, Pioneer Courthouse Square hosted the ever popular Noon Tunes Concert Series, entertaining crowds of thousands each Tuesday and Thursday from July 10 through August 16 from Noon-1:00pm. The Noon Tunes Concert Series showcased some of the best in regional and local musical talent. Radio station KINK sponsored the events, and coordinated the talent. Tables and additional food vendors were added to accommodate the “lunch bunch.” Justin Jude took the stage on Thursday, August 16, and wrapped up the 2012 series. Here’s a complete list of the groups that appeared in this year’s “Noon Tunes” series of concerts. Click on the links belows to sample thier music on You Tube.
July 10 - Fast Rattler
July 12 - Brownish Black
July 17 - Parson Red Heads
July 19 - Freewill Band
July 24 - Justin Klump
July 26 - 3 Leg Torso
July 31 - Kory Quinn
August 2 - Boogie Bone
August 7 - Bradley Wik
August 9 - Billy D and the Hoodoos
August 14 - Eric John Kaiser
August 16 - Justin Jude