Simon says, "Raise your hand for Hollywood"
You won't find nasty Simon Cowell, but you could spot a future American Idol among the crowd of kids competing in Portland's largest Simon Says contest Saturday, September 13. The contest will be held in the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot, 4233 N.E. Sandy Boulevard, and is one of many events planned throughout the afternoon at the Hollywood Boosters' Bun Fest 2008.
"We know of no other organized Simon Says contest that's taken place in Portland, so this is guaranteed to be the largest," said John Perkins, Perkins Architectural and Hollywood Booster organizer. "We're inviting children of all ages be a part of this first-ever event. Everyone will win a prize just for participating."
Local singer-entertainer extraordinaire Tony Starlight, of the Tony Starlight Supperclub & Lounge in the Hollywood District, will emcee the event.
Bun Fest 2008 officially kicks off the Hollywood Booster's second annual Burger Battle to name the neighborhood's favorite hamburger as judged by customers. Several area restaurants are competing in the event that runs through October 31, 2008.
The day's events begin at 1:30 p.m. with an old-fashioned cakewalk, followed by a wiener dog costume contest. "We couldn't find a hamburger dog so chose the wiener dog," Perkins said. "But we'll have a separate all-breed dog costume contest too, so bring your kids and your dog dressed in burger or hot dog related garb. That's just your dog in costume."
The Hollywood Burger Bar will sell hamburgers, chips and soft drinks at the event. The Burger Bar restaurant won top honors in last year's Burger Battle when thousands of diners cast their ballots for the neighborhood's best tasting hamburger. The Hollywood Boosters also will be selling Burger Battle commemorativeT-shirts.
Bun Fest 2008 schedule
1:30 p.m. Cakewalk.
Entry fee is $1 or a can of non-perishable food for the Oregon Food Bank. Cakewalks will occur every twenty minutes or so throughout Bun Fest.
2:00 p.m. Wiener Dog Costume Contest
Free to enter. Bring your wiener dogs, also known as Dachshunds, in costume to be judged by our panel of celebrity judges. Please have proof of vaccination. Costumes can be burger/hot dog related, or in any theme.
2:15 p.m. All Breed Dog Costume Contest
Free to enter; open to any breed of dog in costume to be judged by our panel of celebrity judges. Please have proof of vaccination.
2:30 p.m. Burgers go on sale
Hamburgers, chips and soda may be purchased until 4:00 p.m.
2:45 p.m. Lemonade Brigade Relay
Watch participating restaurant teams compete by carrying a pitcher of lemonade on their heads. Each team must have at least one child age 12 or younger.
3:30 p.m. Simon Says with Tony Starlight
Free. Tony Starlight will conduct Portland's largest Simon Says contest open to all children. Later, his all star band will provide a free show featuring all the burger songs we know and love.
About the Hollywood Boosters
The Hollywood Boosters is a non-profit business organization and one of Portland's oldest active merchant groups, originating in 1934. The Hollywood Boosters' mission is to develop the Hollywood District economically and socially, create a community consciousness that is necessary for the greatest possible growth, promote community advertising and encourage the cooperation and coordination of efforts in business affairs.
