Six Great Things to Do This Weekend...
LEARN
Heritage Home Tour 2010
Where: Greater Portland
When: Saturday, July 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $50 for the general public, $35 for members
Tip: Tickets are limited, and you're going to need a car (see tour map).
The Architectural Heritage Center hosts a self-guided tour of six fabulous homes that represent a century of residential construction. The 32-mile tour is dotted with homes in a variety of styles, showcasing the talents of Portland's most notable architects. Proceeds benefit the Bosco-Milligan Foundation, which is dedicated to the preservation of Portland's historic buildings and neighborhoods.
ENGAGE
Sowing Circle Jamming Workshop
Where: Sowing Circle Farm in Northeast Portland
When: Saturday, July 31, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cost: $15
Tip: Please leave your hand drums at home: it ain't that kind of workshop.
A "preservation whiz" from Sowing Circle Farm will lead you through the ins and outs of jamming and canning, emphasizing drying, freezing, the uses of augmentative ingredients like mint, cinnamon and ginger and the canner's secret weapon: pectin. For more information, email them at sowingcirclefarm@gmail.com.
RELAX
Symphony in the Park
Where: Cathedral Park, near North Edison and North Pittsburgh
When: Saturday, July 31, 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Tip: Bring the little ones: they will be invited to bang, squeeze and plink a variety of children's noisemakers during the performance of Haden's Toy Symphony.
For the thirtieth year, the Portland Festival Symphony sets up its orchestra in neighborhood parks for six nights of free summer music. This year's program, "Favorites of the Past", will include performances of Beethoven's 7th Symphony, Dvořák's beloved New World Symphony and Hayden's Toy Symphony. The opening show in Cathedral Park features a special appearance by Portland composer and performer Michael Allen Harrison, who will accompany the orchestra on piano.
CONSUME
Portland Food Exchange
Where: Washington Park Amphitheater (next to the Rose Test Garden)
When: Saturday, July 31, 12 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Tip: If you don't have food to trade, bring your other homemade wares which can also be traded. Don't have anything to trade? Simply show up to learn what it's all about.
Are you a home gardener with an abundance of tomatoes? Gather them in a flat and bring them to the amphitheater where other home gardeners are gathering to trade you their plums, blackberries, et al. for your tomato harvest. This marks the first public exchange of food, hosted by the Portland Food Exchange, a freshly founded nonprofit whose mission is to maintain a community-based food exchange by "focus[ing] on natural, organic and sustainable farming practices." Says PFE's Brian Connelly, "Think of it as a farmers market without money being exchanged."
PLAY
Ladybug Nature Walks in Butterfly Park
Where: Macadam Bay Club (7720 SW Macadam Ave). Look for a small lane on the east side of Macadam Avenue/Highway 43. It is the second left after Taylors Ferry Road, and the first right after the Sellwood Bridge. Park in public area and meet at the north trailhead.
When: Saturday, July 31, 10 a.m.
Cost: $3 per preschooler, no charge for adults.
Tip: Tours happen rain or shine. Bring along rain boots (splashing in puddles is guaranteed to up the fun factor).
Walk through parks, gardens, and natural areas with your youngster and a nature guide. Touch slimy slugs, smell tree bark, feel crinkly and soft leaves, hear musical bird songs, and experience the many changes of the seasons.
EXPLORE
Overlook Village Celebration
Where: North Killingsworth, between Campbell and Gay.
When: Saturday, July 31, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Tip: Check out local bars and restaurants for food and drink specials!
For the second year in a row, the businesses of Overlook Village invite you to join them as they take to the streets for another summer festival. Peruse the wares of local vendors, enjoy the sounds of live music and, if you've got a dog, enter him or her in this year's costume contest (the categories are "beachwear" and "freestyle").
Note: We recommend relaxing on a fab Portland patio and soaking up the sun every chance you get. Coincidentally, our six event picks all fall on Saturday, which leaves Friday and Sunday wide open for your patio perching pleasure.
