What can one say about an annual event that features mountains of food, kids of all ages, vendors galore (roughly 200 this year), and gives thousands the chance to explore Beaumont Village?
This year’s Fremont Fest on August 1 was the 40th annual iteration of this venerable B-W tradition. The Beaumont Business Association, which sponsors the gathering, says it has celebrated “the history of Fremont Fest since 1986 while looking ahead to the future of our vibrant neighborhood.”
Being there felt more tangible and way more Portland-ish than that. There was Lucy, a poet, who was sitting at a typewriter offering custom poems at $20 a pop. Then there was a table staffed by artists of multiple genders and orientations, each selling their art at ridiculously low prices. One piece, a cute etching of a dog, was just a buck (I bought it). There were dog lovers, game lovers, food and drink lovers, and of course loud percussion lovers enjoying several appearances by the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers. And our very own Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood Association booth, (wo)manned on an afternoon shift by BWNA newsletter team members Jamie Gardner and Liz Erickson.
Who could ask for more on the first day of August?
Lego Contest a Hit
At the BWNA booth, guessing the number of Legos (648) in a jar for a prize was a draw, with 118 festivalgoers wagering a number. Organized by Liz Erickson, the three available prizes were gift cards purchased by BWNA from Beaumont Village businesses Puddletown Games & Puzzles, Beaumont Hardware, and The Arrangement. Two winners were each gifted with a prize as they tied for best guest with 640 Legos. The third prize was randomly selected. Thanks to all who played!
by Chris Rauber, BWNA Newsletter Team
