The Hawthorne Street Fair

Portland's neigborhoods celebrate their identity in many ways. The Hawthorne District throws a party. 

The 14th annual Hawthorne Street Fair featured over 60 merchants, an art car parade, a marching band, kids festivals, musicians and artists. The SE Portland neighborhood between SE 12th and SE 55th was the scene of one of the larger block parties in the city August 16-17, 1997.

The neighborhood has attracted a variety of vibrant community businesses and creative people. Fast growth has caused its share of problems including congestion and higher cost of living but the community is coming together to deal the the issues. And Party. 

Festivities started with a bang. 

At 10am, an art car parade featuring several dozen cars lead a procession from 12th to 55th. Most of the cars appeared to be "hand crafted" from trips to the local goodwill. A variety of fantisful (or dangerous) themes were represented. Not your father's Oldsmobile, these were vehicles of the imagination, straight from the didatic-surrealism showroom floor.

Fair attendees could vote on the art cars. Representatives from the Portland Cacophony Society brought a worshipfull presence to the festivities. The Reverend C.E. Linville (also a lettercarrier) brought his "danger" car and brought news from the big Houston and Burning Man art car events.

The Leopard Car (above right) driven by Teri Bernstein (right) and Kelly Lyles out of Seattle drove down for the show. 

This couple (above) was married earlier that day (Elvis' Birthday) although not at the Fair. No, they're not taking The Car to the coast for their honeymoon.

Teleport's own Chris Hughes of the Teleport Web Department and his band, Peasant Syndrome, opened the show on the Main Stage on Saturday. Lots of music on 6 stages included an international stage, Women's music stage, and a Kids entertainment Stage.

A great block party for a dynamic neighborhood. Thanks to Teleport.com and specifically Sam Churchill for featuring this article soon after the Fair.