For the first time, the Port of Portland is welcoming the general public behind the fences at Terminal 4 for the 2012 Seaport Celebration, presented by Gunderson. On August 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will offer a wide range of fun and unique experiences for all ages … and best of all, parking and admission is free.
Prior years have brought people to Terminal 2 and 6, but this will be the first year for Terminal 4 in the heart of the St. Johns neighborhood. The 280-acre, multi-use terminal is home to: a distribution center for Toyota, Scion and Lexus vehicles; liquid agricultural fertilizers for International Raw Materials; soda ash used in the manufacture of glass; and a flour mill. It is located at 11040 N. Lombard St., on the Willamette River adjacent to Cathedral Park.
Most will come for the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds in a part of the working harbor that is usually inaccessible unless you happen to work there – but they’ll stay for the entertainment. The popular event features live music and shows, $5 Willamette Jet Boat tours, interactive and fun activities for kids and adults, food carts representing trade partners, giveaways, prizes and interactive activities for all ages. New to the lineup this year is a special, two-hour Portland Spirit river cruise for only $10.
Musical entertainment will include: Mo Phillips, Trashcan Joe, The Alphabeticians and a Greasy Kid Stuff dance party. And what better venue to enjoy the show than a waterfront dock used to bring in tens of thousands of vehicles that come through the Port each year? The location offers sweeping views of the river, Forest Park and the picturesque St. John’s Bridge.
To build excitement for Seaport Celebration, people are invited to join in in the “Be a Seaport Sleuth” scavenger hunt this Saturday, August 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will explore locations in downtown Portland that are connected to the working harbor in Portland. Those who collect all five stamps will be eligible to win one of three $500 gift certificates to be announced at Seaport Celebration. Details are available at www.seaportcelebration.com.
Seaport Celebration is made possible by generous contributions by the following sponsors: Gunderson, Fred Meyer, Portland Spirit, Auto Warehousing Company, Lower Willamette Group, Vigor Industrial, City of Portland Office of Healthy Working Rivers, Kinder Morgan, Portland Harbor Partnership, Schnitzer Steel, Toyota Logistics Services, Union Pacific and Shaver Transportation.