MORE EVENTS AND PLACES TO SEE

Ellen von Fortune

The Advocate

Gresham’s Original Farmers Market is happening every Saturday this summer, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Center for the Arts Plaza.

Portland’s Pride Parade will not happen until after pride month, and takes place on July 16 this year. The Pride Waterfront Festival is set downtown for July 15-16. So, grab your rainbow flags and head to the waterfront where you know you will feel accepted just the way you are.

Portland’s Saturday Market is open each Saturday starting at 10 a.m. and runs to 5 p.m. This iconic market features vendors that display and sell all sorts of art forms. The Market continues through December, but it’s my advice to go when it’s still warm if you want to enjoy being outside and take your time looking at all the art.

If you are looking to cool off this summer in some water, there are multiple places to jump right in.

The Sandy River has multiple swim lo- cations, including Oxbow Park, Lewis and Clark State Park, Glenn Otto Community Park, and Dodge Park. The Sandy can have a strong current depending on where you are so, know your limits and keep a close eye on your friends.

The Willamette River may be a bit dirty, but there are multiple docks on the east side throughout Portland where you can jump off to cool off. As someone who has done it, I would recommend a thorough shower soon after a swim.

Looking for a swim pool to go to? Well, as an MHCC student or staff member, you can use the Mt. Hood (Aquatics Center) pool –with either 25-meter or 50-meter lanes available – for free! Others will have to pay a small fee but are still welcome to make a splash in the pool right here on the Gresham campus.

McMenamins Edgefield, located not even 3 miles from the Gresham campus, offers great food, beautiful scenery, and a golf course to putt around on. They also offer unique hotel rooms if you are looking for a little getaway with friends, family or a significant other, which also can include a spa treatment if you want. Outdoor concerts are scheduled all summer, so check out the Edgefield website to see who is playing.

Looking for some hiking to do on a day that is not overwhelmingly hot? Here are some of my favorites:

Powell Butte – located on the map – has a great view of the mountains.

Forest Park – located on the map.

Multnomah Falls – located on the map, in on the Columbia River Gorge – the visitors center has a restaurant if you are feeling hungry once you come back down from the top of the falls, as well as a gift shop to grab a reminder of your trip.

Wahclella Falls – also located in the Columbia River Gorge – is a great hike! You get to see a wonderful waterfall and maybe dip your feet in it. Just remember, it’s about a mile back to your car.

Mt. Tabor Park in Southeast Portland offers many mini trails but has a great view of the city, as well as places to set up a picnic.

There are many more opportunities around, so do not be shy – look one up near you!