Six Great Things to Do This Weekend...
It's still summer, so it should come as no surprise that there's plenty to do this weekend, whether you're exploring the streets where you live or the waterways on which you don't. And if you're really ambitious and happen to be a whiz at managing your time, you could take part in all of the following.
LEARN
Behind the Scenes: The Portland Harbor by Water Tour
Where: 1945 SE Water Avenue
When: Saturday, August 21, 10 a.m.-noon and 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person
Tip: Space is limited, so RSVP (brooke.berglund@portofportland.com or call 503.415.6532) to get your seat.
Did you know that industries along the Willamette River provide the city with more than 40,000 jobs, contributing over $1 billion to the local economy? Learn all about it, and get a fish-eyed view of Portland's bridges and docks on this two-hour narrated jetboat tour of the mighty Willamette.
ENGAGE
Portland Century: Street Ride & Tour
Where: Portland State University, 1825 SW Broadway
When: Sunday, August 22, as early as 6 a.m.
Cost: up to $80, $10 for children 10 and under
Tip: Century Riders should get going between 7-8 a.m., Please visit the web site for countless useful tips about your chosen ride.
Be among the scores of cyclists to take to the streets this weekend to tour the city's sights and sounds in 100-, 50- and 25-miles routes. Healthy snacks provided by many of Portland's favorite eateries are available before the race and along the route at 15-mile pit stop intervals. Once you've finished, kick up your feet and kick back a bottle or two of suds at the beer garden at PSU. Splurge, because you've earned it.
RELAX
The 2010 Portland Three-Minute Picture Show Black Tie Gala and Film Screening
Where: The Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton
When: Saturday, August 21, 7 p.m.
Cost: $10, $5 for individuals 18 and younger
Tip: Dress up. It honors the filmmakers. Besides, darling, who misses a chance to look simply smashing?
Last month, filmmakers across the Portland metro area registered, scripted, shot and edited a whole bunch of movies on whatever struck their fancies. The only real rule was that the films be no longer than three minutes. Tonight, the fruits of those labors are splashed across the silver screen in this Oscar-like gala. Doors open at 6 p.m., films screen at 7 p.m. The gala is preceded by the Twinkling To-Do at 4 p.m., which showcases the films of prodigies, aged 6-18 years.
CONSUME
Back-to-School Rummage Sale
Where: Peace Lutheran Church, 2201 N Rosa Parks Way
When: Saturday, August 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Depends on what you find.
Tip: Some proceeds go to Harper's Playground, which aims to make city playgrounds inclusive to children and adults of all physical abilities. Spend big!
Can you hear that? That's the collective sigh of children everywhere letting us know that they know that the end is indeed nigh. At least for this summer. But at least they can look sharp as they suffer.
PLAY
Mystery Moonlight Paddle
Where: Whitaker Ponds Nature Park, 7040 NE 47th Avenue
When: Friday, August 20, 10 p.m.-midnight
Cost: FREE, but donations are gratefully accepted
Tip: Bring your own kayak or canoe and, remember, "slough" rhymes with "canoe."
The Columbia Slough Watershed Council presents its first-ever nighttime paddle beneath a nearly full moon, giving you a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a summer night and take in the sight and sounds of the nocturnal animals unseen when the sun shines. Whether or not your "mystery" paddle is educational, scary or romantic is up to you. Just make sure the friend or loved one you bring is at least 18 years old.
EXPLORE
2010 Alberta Street Fair
Where: Northeast Alberta Street
When: Saturday, August 21, 11a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Tip: Spend some money! Portions of proceeds benefit The Community Cycling Center and everyone loves bikes and kids, right?
One-hundred-fifty vendors. Three stages. Twenty musicial outfits. A kids' corner for the kiddos, featuring projects, games and music. A beer garden for the adults showcasing brews from Portland's many microbreweries. And a parade for everyone. Alberta Street's always lively, but this weekend it's going to be swinging.
