It rained really hard earlier that morning, but when it was time for the parade to roll, the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade was blessed with dry and sometimes sunny weather.

Here’s our video from the parade… almost titled “We went to the 82nd Avenue Parade because you couldn’t (or didn’t want to)”. It’s great to see so many people out marching and enjoying the parade.

The current article from Pat Sanders about sidewalk stamps is especially interesting to me. In Memphis, where I grew up, my grandfather owned a concrete company.

So occasionally when I would walk around town, I would run across “WW WILKINS” stamped into the sidewalk. It was fun seeing part of his legacy still serving Memphians decades after his work was done.

These stamps are literally another concrete reminder— literally— to think about the people who shaped our cities and to compare their lives with ours.

A few Montavilla schools are in the running for a community building project award from OnPoint Community Credit Union. More info here!

FRIDAY, MAY 3RD

Canton Grill Degustatory Research (event):

Learn more about the history of Canton Grill, Portland’s oldest Chinese food restaurant. There will be samples to go with the story-telling experience.

“Investigating both personal and collective histories alongside the role of food in migration, this dinner is a sensorial ten-course tasting experience serving degustatory samples intermingling culinary art, performance, research and personal histories. It promises to be a beautiful, complex, fine dining experience that will tickle your palette and tease your soul.”

Canton Grill, 2610 SE 82nd Ave * 6:30 pm – 8 pm * free

SATURDAY, MAY 4TH

East Portland Neighborhood Cleanup:

“This event is organized by Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood association and supported by Mill Park Neighborhood Association, Hazelwood Neighborhood Association, and Centennial Neighborhood Association.

If you’re interested in volunteering please pm us (pgnaboard@gmail.com) with your email.”

West Powellhurst Elementary, 2921 SE 116th Ave * 9 am – 1 pm

SUNDAY, MAY 5TH

The wonderful Montavilla Farmers Market is having their opening day today! Check out their post about the opening here or the list of providers here.

New this season is a nutrition lecture series. And as usual, there will be music, activities for the youth, and the Everybody Eats SNAP/EBT match program that allows card holders to double their spending up to $10.

7700 SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm

Makers de Mayo: a Decolonized Market & Celebration (event):

“This Cinco de Mayo, spend your day supporting local BIPOC makers at Makers de Mayo: a decolonized market and celebration hosted by Noche Libre and the Portland Mercado.”

Portland Mercado * noon – 6 pm