Gateway Parade

Fun-O-Rama Info Release #1 041902

Gateway Parade Back for Fun-O-Rama Days

Back after a seven year absence, the Fun-O-Rama parade will highlight the traditional weekend of fun and festivities for the Gateway area which takes place May 16-19. Selected as the theme for the Gateway Fun-O-Rama Days is "United We Stand."

The parade, which was discontinued in 1995, has been given a second life by this year's parade sponsor, the Gateway Area Business Association, headed by local Realtor Fred Sanchez. “The parade used to bring a sense of community identity to the Gateway Area and we want to re-activate that” said Sanchez.

Parade participants will assemble on Saturday, May 18, at 9:00 am at the staging area at NE 122nd and Halsey. The 20 block long parade, which begins at 10:30, will march west past the reviewing stand by El Indio restaurant at 111th Square. Then it will continue to NE 102 Avenue turning south for a few blocks before ending in the parking lot of Gateway Fred Meyer.

Major business sponsors of the Gateway Fun-O-Rama Days include Fred Meyer, PacifiCorp, Postal Annex, Realty Brokers, and Washington Mutual.

The GABA board of directors has made available funds to purchase a limited number of carnival tickets for distribution to low income families.

More detailed information can be found at the Gateway Fun-O-Rama web site neighborhoodlink.com/org/gatewayparade.

Application forms can be printed from the web site with instructions on how to register as a parade participant or obtain a non-profit table at the Community Fair free of charge.

Community Fair Saturday May 18 1-4 PM

Beginning at 1:00 pm Saturday is the Gateway Community Fair, free to the public, located at 111th Square at NE 111 Avenue and Halsey. Prizes will be awarded for best of numerous categories of parade participants. Music, food, entertainment, business displays, neighborhood/community tables, and the Keystone Kops will provide a mix of fun goings-on. The Fair ends at 4:00 pm.

A Community Fair highlight is the annual Bike helmet program, sponsored by the Portland Police East Precinct and Emmanuel Hospital. A donation of $5 per helmet is requested and includes personal fitting by the Portland Police and Cadets.

An extensive list of raffle prizes will add excitement to the three hour fair as prizes are set to be announced every fifteen minutes. Raffle tickets will be available in advance and at the fair.

Carnival Features Live Entertainment

Starting Thursday, May 16, at 5:00 PM and continuing through Sunday of the Fun-O-Rama weekend is the Jack Davis carnival at the parking lot south of Halsey at NE 104 Ave, in the vacant lot behind JJ North's Buffet. On Friday the carnival opens at 5 PM, while on Saturday and Sunday opening time is noon.

Tickets providing midway admission and unlimited rides will be available at selected outlets in advance for $10 and at the gate for $15. Included is admission to live entertainment under cover. Buddy Night takes place at the Carnival on Friday night from 5-10 PM. One ticket will admit two people. Both advance and at the gate tickets are good for Buddy Night.