There’s a new addition to the annual Eastmoreland July 4th Parade: an art fair featuring talented neighbors selling their work. The new fair, organized by the ENA, will highlight up to nine artists working in a variety of areas. Although the lineup is being finalized as we go to press, the artists included so far work in the areas of ceramics, jewelry, clothing and writing (the writer is a biographer of Abigail Duniway). The artists, all from Eastmoreland or close-by neighborhoods, will have tables on the grassy area of Reed College Place near SE Rex, where the parade begins.

As the parade celebrates its 31st year, it will feature its traditional escort by a Portland Fire Engine, music by the Portland Power Pep Band, and antique cars from the Milwaukie Mustang Club.  Kids of any age are welcome to decorate their bikes and scooters.

This year’s parade kicks off at 11 am, with the singing of our national anthem, and everyone is invited to join the walk down the length of Reed College Place and enjoy food and drink at the end of the parade. Free water and port a potties will be available. More than 1,000 people are expected to walk, pedal and drive vintage cars in the parade.