8 • The Southwest Portland Post
FEATURES
October 2016
Don’t be surprised if 4,000 goblins show up for Halloween in the Village
By KC Cowan
The Southwest Portland Post
If you have an aversion to ghosts,
goblins and the occasional Pokémon
critter, you might want to avoid
Multnomah Village on Oct. 31. If,
however, you love to see youngsters
dressed up as their favorite “alter-
ego,” by all means come on down and
join the fun.
This year marks the 10th anniversary
of Halloween in the Village, a
merchant-sponsored event that brings
thousands of kids and families to
“trick-or-treat” in the local businesses.
Jason Lensch, co-owner of Switch
Shoes and president of the Multnomah
Village Business Association, is chair of
the event. The annual candy-grab was
begun by his wife, Jen Robinson, and
Luke Huffstutter, owner of Annastasia
Salon. It’s grown every year.
“It started the first year about 500,”
said Lensch. “And each year it’s
grown a couple hundred or more. Last
Fall is a great time
to advertise in The Post
Contact Don at 503-244-6933
or email don@multnomahpost.com.
Deadline for November is Oct. 20.
year, it was the wettest day of the year,
and we still had 3,500 kids show up.”
Families need to check in at Starbucks
Coffee (34th and Capitol Highway) to
get a map of who is participating, but
they won’t find many stores that aren’t
getting into the Halloween spirit.
“This year, all the businesses
that have retail store fronts along
Capitol Hwy. are taking part,” Lensch
explained. “About 120 in all, from
the west end of the village where the
bridge starts, all the way up to Canby
Street on the other end of the village.”
“Riversgate Church at the far east
end of the village has an indoor play
area set up with activities. Last year
they did cotton candy.”
And the last stop is, fittingly, at the
dentist’s office. Dr. Lisa Jensen and
her team at Multnomah Village Dental
Care (7717 SW 34th Ave) have a special
treat for everyone—toothbrushes,
perhaps?
Halloween in the Village is popular
with families of young children,
because the Southwest community
can be a challenging place for trick-
or-treaters.
“The area is not well lit, and there
are not a lot of sidewalks, and it’s
hilly,” Lensch said. “So it really makes
it easier for parents to bring their
children down to the village.”
The event also takes place during
daylight hours from 3:30–5:30 p.m.
And volunteers help make sure the
village streets are safe for youngsters.
Lensch arranged for volunteer
Portland Police Cadets to divert traffic
(Photo by anjanettew via Flickr creative commons)
through the village so everyone can
walk without danger. So, all in all,
it’s great for families. They can satisfy
their children’s desire for Halloween
candy in a couple of hours, then go
home to have dinner.
There are other fun events, too.
You can have your photo taken at
Neighborhood House. The $5 fee is a
fundraiser for the program. They’re
also holding a food drive, so parents
are encouraged to bring a can of food
to help their neighbors.
With 4,000 children expected to flow
in and out of businesses, merchants
need to stock up with a lot of goodies.
It’s not inexpensive, but Lensch said
everyone is happy to do it.
“It’s part of the responsibility of
being a small-business owner, to be
in connection with the community.
They’re the ones who shop local and
support you, so it’s a small fee to
show our appreciation.”
Lensch said business owners talk
about the event for weeks afterwards.
“It’s such a cool atmosphere with the
kids, to have so many in costume
in one concentrated area. It’s a fun
time.”
For more information on
Halloween in the Village, visit www.
M u l t n o m a h Vi l l a g e . o r g , o r t h e
business association’s Facebook page.
Parker Realty, Inc.
West Hills
$775,000
Just listed, in
Humphrey Park. This
impeccable, well-built
Allison Dean design
mid-century home
is located on a
low-maintenance .68 acre lot. Four bedrooms plus office, 3.5
bathrooms, over 3,700 square feet. Hardwood floors, remodeled
kitchen with attached family room, three fireplaces and massive
storage. Large shop room with outside entrance. Attached
double-car garage. All just minutes to downtown and Beaverton.
Lincoln High School.
FAMILY-CENTERED MATERNITY CARE
Jeff Parker
Your Neighborhood
Realtor Since 1980
The inventory of houses for sale in the Portland Metro area remains
at historic lows. High demand for homes in our area coupled with low
interest rates and lack of homes for sale translates to higher prices! If
you are thinking of selling contact us today for a free market analysis.
503-977-1888 • 7830 SW 35th Ave., Portland, OR
www.parkerrealtypdx.com
Help Wanted: Advertising Sales Rep.
Happy, healthy babies start with happy, healthy families.
At OHSU Family Medicine, our team supports all your
family’s health needs during this exciting time. From
your first pregnancy test, through baby’s first steps
and beyond, our family is here to help yours flourish.
To learn more,
visit www.ohsu.edu/fmmaternity
The Post is seeking a freelance advertising sales
representative to sell advertising to neighborhood
businesses. B2B sales experience helpful. Work
out of your home office, flexible hours, deadline
oriented, excellent commissions. Great for second
income, semi-retired or college student.
Please email resume and cover letter to
Don Snedecor at don@multnomahpost.com.
No phone calls please.