Dave Knows Portland

Archives for August 2010

Tuesday Timbers Tidbits (08/24/2010)

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TimbersWith Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Minnesota, the Portland Timbers are on a winning streak! Sure it’s only two games long, but that’s the most league wins the Timbers have strung together all year (they’ve now managed the feat three times). Ryan Pore got the goal (his league leading 13th) on a penalty kick earned by Bright Dike when Minnesota’s keeper Warren took him down in the box.

The Timbers (9-7-7) are currently in third place in the USL Conference and fourth place over all. The second place Austin Aztex make their first visit to Portland on Thursday, August 26. They have the best offense in the league, averaging almost two goals a game. Join the Oregon soccer community at PGE Park early on Thursday for the Jimmy Conway testimonial match at 5pm. Timbers and Aztex go at it at 7:30pm.

In MLS related news, Monday the Portland Timbers were awarded the first pick in the MLS Expansion Draft. The Vancouver Whitecaps get the first pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.

Will the Timbers secure a Designated Player in 2011? That’s an open question, but Merritt Paulson has expressed the desire to acquire a US National Team player, if he decides to sign a DP, who can help the team in a fundamental way, not just as a ticket selling draw (because obviously, in 2011 every match will be sold out anyway). How about Jay Demerit?

Local talent Brent Richards could also end up with the Timbers.

And don’t forget, the auction to raise money for the Timbers Army Van ends Saturday!

August 28: Biketobeerfest 2010

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Biketobeerfest 2010The 2010 Biketobeerfest takes place Saturday, August 28 at Hopworks Urban Brewery (2944 SE Powell), from noon until 10pm.

Activities include a group ride, Huffy toss competitions, kid’s bike games, a handbuilt bike showcase, and BMX trick ride demonstrations.

Music will be provided on the keg-supported stage by the likes of Boy Eats Drum Machine, Hillstomp, and DJ Shortchange (visit the website for the full detailed schedule).

And there will be beer. Fifteen Hopsworks beers to be exact.

Ample bike parking (bring your own lock!) will be provided, naturally, so bike there!

Admission is a mere $2, the proceeds of which are split 50/50 with the Bicycle Transportation Alliance and Sunday Parkways.

August 28: Old Town Block Party 2010

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Old Town Block Party 2010The 2nd Annual Old Town Block Party takes place Saturday, August 28 2010 in Old Town between NW 4th and 5th and Couch and Davis from noon until 10pm.

DJs entertaining the masses all day long (i.e. noon until 10pm) include The Mighty Fix DJs, Matt Nelkin, and DJ Nature. In addition there will be food, beverages, local business sponsored booths, and bands: Deelay Ceelay, The Joggers, Mean Jeans, and The Lovers.

This event benefits Transition Projects, Rosehaven, Sisters of the Road, and P:EAR.

Admission is free. Visit OldTownBlockParty.com or the Facebook page for more information.

August 28-29: 2010 Nano Beer Festival

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Nano Beer FestivalThe Nano Beer Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, August 28 2010 on SE 9th between Belmont and Yamhill, in front of the Green Dragon (928 SE 9th).

[They’re calling it the Second Annual, but last year they the fest was called the Mini Beer Festival; not sure of why they switched, since there’s already an annual Nano Beer Festival in Tigard.]

From 11am until 9pm on Saturday, and 11am until 7pm on Sunday, sample the offerings from over thirty local nano breweries, including Natian, Upright, Captured by Porches, Heater Allen, and Brewers Union Local 180. To be considered nano, a brewery must produce fewer than 1000 barrels of beer a year.

In addition to beer, several food carts will be on hand to provide sustenance, including Namu, Domo Dogs, Koi Fusion, and Superdog.

Bike parking is free, and dogs and kids are welcome. Shuffleboard and pinball play are free, and there’s a dog wash and washers tournament. Admission is $10, and includes five taster tickets; each additional taster is $1. Part of the proceeds go to the Buckman Arts Focus Elementary School.

August 26-28: Festa Italiana 2010

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Italian FlagThe 19th Festa Italiana turns Pioneer Courthouse Square into an Italian piazza from Thursday, August 26 through Saturday August 28.

This is one of my favorite Portland festivals, and not just because of the strolling accordionists. I recommend arriving early to secure a table in the beer and wine garden at the top of the bowl on the SE side of the square. You’ll have an excellent view of the stage in the middle of the square. Wine is available by the bottle or the glass; and you’ll find the Festa Italiana drink prices to be more reasonable than at most festivals. Beer is available too.

Italian and Italian-ish restaurants (including Piazza Italia, Bastas Trattoria, La Bottega, a Cena, Mita’s Italian Ice, and Gelato Maestro) from all over set up shop in the square for the festival, offering gelato, pizza, etc.

The entertainment line up is impressive. Musicians from all over regale the crowds with everything from opera to Sinatra, and plenty of accordion. In addition to the music enjoy the grape stomp competition, cooking and pizza tossing demonstrations, marionette shows, and folk dancers. Check out the whole event calendar here.

Admission is free. Hours are noon until 11pm Thursday and Friday, and 11am until 11pm on Saturday.