The Portland International District is pleased to announce the 2nd annual International Day Festival. Mark your calendars for July 12th, 2008. We plan to have more vendors, more performers and more folks this year.

Last year 500 folks showed up to help us celebrate a multicultural theme. A Mariachi band, a German Ompah band, and the Philippine community are just some of the performances children danced to. Face painters and balloon artists entertained while community leaders listened to concerns and answered questions about the importance of understanding other cultures. If you want to get involved, print off the 2008 Festival Registration Form, and mail it in with your fee. Or email it directly to the President.

If you’re non-profit has a multicultural focus that helps bring awareness to regional and global social issues, your fee can be waived. Please contact the President, Tyler Whitmire, directly to find out how you can apply for the fee waiver.

This year’s festival will be held from noon until 6pm. Businesses, non-profits, and food vendors will need to be set up by 11:30am. Barricades will be in place after that. Performers will have special instructions. Everyone that is part of the festival will receive a complete itinerary 2 weeks before the event.

There are a few committees still available to join if you are interested in helping build this regional event. And there is always room for more vendors. For more information please contact Tyler Whitmire at 503.572.8532 / e-mail: tylerportland@gmail.com

International Day Festival 2008 Poster

Below is the information from last year’s festival:

Portland International District’s event includes local government officials, international entertainment, and a free movie showing at Roseway Theater.

The International Day Festival will take place between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm at the park blocks in the Roseway neighborhood on NE 72nd Avenue and Sandy Blvd. The free movie at Roseway Theater will begin between 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Free tickets will be distributed at the festival by members of Portland International District.

Commissioners Sam Adams and Jeff Cogan will speak briefly about the importance of multi-cultural relations and how a greater awareness of diversity can help us become a stronger community.

A German “oompah” band, Filipino singers, a mariachi band, and Polynesian dancers will provide entertainment while face painters and a balloon artist delight the young at heart. Food vendors will be on hand to keep attendants well fed. Among the entertainers and food vendors, more than 20 local businesses and non-profit organizations will be giving away prizes and hosting informational sessions about their services.

Performances:

Leading up to the festival is a series of plays depicting a slice of life in different cultures. The short plays will be performed at Portland International District restaurants and will feature neighborhood talent. The dates and locations for the plays will be as follows:

• June 7, 2007 at 7pm: Steamers Restaurant (NE 82nd and NE Sandy Blvd)
• June 28, 2007 at 7pm: Mi-Wa Restaurant (NE 69th and NE Sandy Blvd)
• July 5, 2007 at 7pm: Ohana Hawaiian Cafe (NE 63rd and NE Sandy Blvd)

Click here to view the official event poster.

Portland International District

Portland International District, formerly the North East Central Sandy Business Association, is a non-profit group who operates to develop a safe, helpful, and harmonious environment for the community and businesses in the North East Portland area of Roseway.