20th Anniversary Waterfront Blues festival

What an event. I started going to it in the early 90’s and I haven’t missed a year since then. July 4 th thru July 8, 2007, from noon to midnite. The weather is going to be sunny and warm. Prefect weather for listening to the blues. This is fundraiser for Oregon Food Bank. Bargain admission prices at $8 a day and two cans of food or $25 for all five days. It is the best fundraiser that I have ever been too. Two main stages alternate acts. The crowds move from one stage to the other. I sit in the middle and watch the people go by. The A&E stage is on the other side of the Hawthorne Bridge. It has a dance floor in front. Don’t miss dancing to Lily Wilde and her swing orchestra on Sunday July 8 from 4:45 to 5:45, or Zydeco Swamp Romp Saturday July 7^th. Wednesday evening July Fourth has Koko Tayler at 8:45 to 10 pm Miller stage. Fire works at 10pm. Great music every day. Very Family friendly event, I brought my children when they were younger. Bring your picnic or buy yummy food at the festival. There is a no alcohol policy. That includes everything. They will open and pour out hiking type water bottles. Don’t bring a camel back. They are volunteers and know all the tricks of how to bring alcohol into an event. I have worked the gate and have seen disappointed people told to leave their starbucks coffee outside. Plenty of alcoholic beverages can be purchased inside. Bring a blanket and a low slung chair and grab a piece of lawn, sit back and enjoy the music. Tom McCall water front park between Naito parkway and the Willamette river, next to the Hawthorne Bridge. www.waterfrontbluesfest.com

4th of July fireworks

There are plenty of 4^th of July fireworks and events around the Portland area. There is something for everyone. The Biggest is in Vancouver, Wa, it can be seen from Marine drive. My favorite is at the Waterfront Blues festival, Tom McCall Waterfront Park. My second favorite is at Oaks Park along the Willamette River. Fireworks will be set off after the Beavers baseball game against Tacoma in PGE Park downtown. Lake Oswego has fire works at Lake Grove Swim Park between South Shore and Summit drives. Tigard has fire works at Tigard High Foot ball field 9000 SW Durham road. Corbett Fun Festival starts at 10:30 am with fireworks at dusk. Fairview starts the fun at Blue Lake Park at 1 pm until 11pm. $6 parking fee. Marine drive will be closed by Blue Lake Park. Happy Valley will have at day long party at City Park with fire works at the end. You can see fireworks display from any of the tall peaks, like Rocky Butte and Powell Butte. Have a fun and save Fourth.