You never stop thinking about the ones that got away...
We’re talking about the events that have been canceled over the years, of course. Don’t get us wrong, we are still incredibly fortunate to have community gatherings like the Portland Winter Light Festival and the PDX Adult Soapbox Derby — each a tradition that makes living here so special.
But it’s hard not to reminisce about Feast, the culinary celebration that helped solidify Portland’s place at the table as a premier foodie destination, ultimately falling victim to the financial pressures of the pandemic.
Costumed participants would push shopping carts and make their friends be sled dogs for the Portland Urban Iditarod.
Photo by Erin via Wikimedia Commons
Even farther back — who remembers the Portland Urban Iditarod? Author Chuck Palahniuk wrote of a sing-a-long to celebrate poet Emily Dickinson’s birthday in his book “Fugitives and Refugees.” Quirky is our status quo.
Perhaps it’s because festivals and other yearly occasions, large and small, are such vital fabric to our city’s tapestry that when one is no more, its absence is felt so acutely.
Indulge us in our flight of nostalgia by answering this question. If you could bring back an event or festival from Portland’s history — what would you choose? Let us know and we may use your response in a future article.
And if you’re looking for something to do in the present, check out our events page.
Answered
Your responses to our question hit like a blast from the past. Here are some of the greatest hits.
The Big Float
Human Access Project’s big summertime celebration ended on its 10th year back in 2022.
ArtQuake
This popular predecessor to Art in the Pearl is said to have folded due to a reliance on corporate sponsorship.
KGW Neighborfair
Reader Kait S. said, “It was free and diverse with fun, food, music, all down at the waterfront. It was nice to have an event that everyone could enjoy free of charge.” It does look entertaining.
Rossi Farms Barn Bash
From 1998 to 2007, and a subsequent revival that lasted until 2019, this event brought people to the Northeast Portland farm for food, games, and all around country fair vibes.
Red Bull Flugtag
Homemade flying machines (and their quirky pilots) tested just how long they could defy gravity and the Willamette’s wet embrace.