Get Involved: Mississippi Street Fair

The Mississippi Street Fair is one of Portland's most popular neighborhood events. And, if you're a fan, now's your chance to get involved. Why simply attend when you can participate? Get inside access—volunteer!

There are two ways to volunteer for the Mississippi Street Fair: become part of the planning committee or volunteer on event day. Here's what's involved: Planning Committee members attend monthly meetings and have a say on what happens and how things go. They get to fully enjoy the event on Fair day, because their work is done. Day of Event Volunteers (about 100) put in three to four hours of time at the event and, according to the planning committee, are what really make the fair a success. Both are rewarding experiences, so choose your level of involvement according to how much time you can commit.

"This is our 8th Fair Street Fair," explains Planning Committee member Bridget Bayer, "and while it has been getting bigger each year, this year we are focused on making it better through more participation."

Participation has always been a key part of the event's success. Consider its mission statement: Celebrating diversity and building community through participation. Our volunteer committee consists of neighbors, both residents and business owners that organize and plan all events and activities at the Fair. The biggest benefit of involvement is getting to know the community in which you live! It's so nice to walk into stores in your community and everybody knows your name. But, this year the planning committee is upping the ante and inviting north and northeast neighbors to support the fair by bringing their organization to the event, having fund-raisers and hosting activities in partnership with businesses on Mississippi Avenue. It's a win-win for all parties involved.

The Planning Committee consists of representatives from the Historic Mississippi Business Association (Fiscal Agent/Owner), Albina Youth Opportunity School, Boise-Eliot Elementary School, Boise Neighborhood Association, Our United Villages and Self Enhancement Inc. These folks and other volunteers coordinate fundraising, volunteers. vendors. sustainability, security. set-up and tear-down, marketing, entertainment and activities. Whether these are skills you currently possess or would like to develop, working with this stellar group is an amazing growth opportunity.

Committee meetings are just before the Boise Neighborhood Association meetings on the second Monday of every month. Since that's dinner time [perk alert!], we hear that the local restaurants supply great food for the planning meetings. Other perks: the committee hosts a volunteer anticipation party just before the Fair and, of course, volunteers get cool T-shirts and are treated to snacks and beverages on event day.

So, join the fun and help make this year's Mississippi Street Fair the best one yet!

For more information on getting involved, contact Fair Coordinator Sonie Watson at 503.209.8871