Page 4 sportiani» (0bserurr O ctober 5. 2011 LastThursday and compare it to other commu­ nity fairs which are held to steeper Happy-go-lucky crowds have requirements. been a historical fact since Last When nobody seemed to want Thursday’s spawning, but so has to take full responsibility or had the frustration of its close neigh­ the resources to do it, Friends of bors who have little choice but to Last Thursday formed to oversee join in the festivities or harbor in­ the event and help address the doors with earplugs until the last issues. In February 2010, Mayor drunken bar-hopper falls asleep. Sam Adams and City Commis­ “You can imagine how some of sioner Amanda Fritz asked Friends the noise bounces down the of Last Thursday to take more street,” said Officer Chinn. responsibility for the event and One such neighbor, the wife of expand its stewardship. a couple living just off Alberta Since then, Rochelle Saliba, co- since 1972, says she can put up chair of Friends of Last Thursday, with the noise, but won’t stand says the group has been unrelent­ for public urination. ing to their mission of “facilitat­ This anonymous resident says ing a safe and sustainable monthly that after watching two drunken public art festival that culturally males relieving themselves in her enriches the community while fos­ driveway some Last Thursdays tering neighborhood respect.” ago, which she admits looks like The group is working to as­ an alleyway, she watered them sume full financial responsibility down with a garden hose, “Those for event costs. It has raised two won’t do that again,” she said. enough money to pay for this Living one house down from year’s garbage bills, and plans to the main drag, this veteran wit­ hold future fundraisers and find ness shares a list of weirdness business sponsorships that will that has spilled onto her property cover street closure barriers, pri­ over the years; drunks falling vate security, and port-a-potties. asleep in her yard, wooden stakes “The biggest thing we’ve done stolen from her peonies, fire spin­ is identifying the issues and imple­ ning fireworks falling on roofs, ment programs to meet and change and bands thrashing about late the culture of the event without into the night. changing the event itself,” said Many of her neighbors share Saliba. The idea is to preserve the similar frustrations and would spirit of the event while taming agree that the community-owned some of the problems. event that started 13 years ago by An ambassador program was a group of local artists to promote created to foster respect among the art galleries on Alberta Street participants. Volunteers help ven­ began to spin out of control quite dors, answer questions from visi­ some time ago. tors, and make sure the city’s “When it started, it was sup­ safety codes are followed. posed to be an art walk,” she said, For example, ambassadors en­ “but it’s built up into one big sure that noise should not carry party.” more than half a block or else a Tired of mayhem that lasted ticket may be issued for $500. Fire past the 10 o’clock official closing spinners need permits. No open- time, neighbors have argued for containers or underage drinking more control of the event while is allowed. Vendors cannot block supporters defend the festival’s sidewalks or businesses. organic and spontaneous nature. Since the group got involved, the Others question the city spend­ outspoken neighbor said she’s no­ ing money for police enforcement ticed a change for the better. c o n t i n u e d f r o m front photo by C ari H achmann /T he P ortland O bserver Spontaneous performances entertain onlookers at Last Thursday on Northeast Alberta Street. tonA^v W e’ll help you back t(a school in style! loud V These great deals and more available in our store at 701 NE Broadway. Natural Beds & Furniture Tou <