Exploring Portland Street Fairs? Follow These Safety Tips

Even as summer begins to wind down, there are still plenty of warm weather activities to look forward to. Outdoor festivals and street fairs are among our favorites, as they allow you to enjoy the season while highlighting some of the many vibrant neighborhoods throughout the downtown Portland area. These events are fun and likely to appeal to people of all ages, but it is important to remember that they are held on otherwise busy streets and you need to take the appropriate precautions to avoid pedestrian accidents and injuries. The following offers some tips on upcoming events, along with ways to protect yourself, your family, and your friends.  

Put These Portland Street Fairs on Your Calendar

Long summer days and seasonally mild temperatures make late July and August the ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities. This is one of the best times to explore the neighborhoods that make our area unique, and Travel Portland provides schedules for a variety of street fairs that are coming up that you will not want to miss. Whether you are looking for food trucks and restaurant vendors, live local music, artists and shops featuring handcrafted items, or entertainment designed to thrill little ones, the following events are sure to have something that will please:

• Mississippi Avenue Street Fair: Held on Saturday July 14, 2018 from 5:00 a.m. until midnight, the Mississippi Street Fair showcases local businesses and provides five stages that feature concerts, contests, comedians, and other creative performers, along with a large kids’ play zone for young ones to enjoy.
• Multnomah Days: Scheduled for August 18, 2018 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Annual Multnomah Days Street Fair features a parade, entertainers, vendors, and amusements for children and adults alike. Stroll through the neighborhood streets and sign up for wine flights, cooking classes, and other fun and unique experiences.  
• Belmont Street Fair: As you wind down your summer, enjoy the cool, early autumn breezes and put the Belmont Street fair on your weekend to do list. This street fair stretches over several days from September 9th through the 12th, and the Belmont District Business Association uses the event to highlight the shops and eateries that make this area so unique.

When visiting the above events, remember to make safety a priority. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the number of pedestrian accidents in our area has been steadily increasing each year. Make sure to use crosswalks and wait for signals before crossing busy streets, wear light, bright colors, particularly if you are out at night, and avoid overindulging in alcohol, which could increase your accident risks.

We Can Help You Today

When accidents and injuries do occur, the Johnston Law Firm is here to help you get the compensation you need to recover. If you or someone you care about is involved in a pedestrian accident call (503) 546-3167 or reach out and contact our office to request a consultation with one of our experienced Portland injury attorneys.