by Becca Bartleson
Amidst the burgeoning crowds, tow trucks and community vendors the Portland Sentinel is staked out on the corner of N Mississippi and Shaver. We'll be reporting live all day from the fair: taking pictures, blogging, and shooting videos of the live bands and other fair festivities.

Fair volunteers are still finishing up the last few touches, but the streets are already crowded with families and adults alike. And the last of the illegally parked cars have been towed away.

Come stop by the fair, pick up a festivities guide at our table and enjoy this beautiful overcast day.

 Video of this morning's activities including a chat with a robot named  Alloy 'Defender of the Defenseless'.

See below for updates: Video and Photos from the Sentinel News Room Costume Box!

 Video by Cornelius Swart

12:30pm

The Mississippi Street Fair 2009 Planning Committee presented governmental officials, Portland police officers and community members with awards for the difference they've made in the North Mississippi community.

Mayor Sam Adams, Councilor Rex Burkholder and Grandfather Leonard Smith announced the awards to officers Kelly Krohn, Harry Jackson, Mike Garvey, G Man, Jim "Gator" Hudson, Chief Rosie Sizer, DA Mike Schrunk, and Mayors Bud Clark, Tom Potter and Vera Katz. Awards were also given to the. Boise Neighborhood Association (BNA) Board of Directors. Sara Gray, President Laura Parisi, Ellen Cusik, Tara Hieggelke and Karis Stoudamire were all BNA award recipients.

The crowd gathered around for the quick ceremony and listened to short speeches given by the three award presenters. There were also hugs, handshakes and photo opportunities with Mayor Sam Adams.

2:00pm

Video by Becca Bartleson

3:00pm Photos from the Sentinel News Room's Costume Box, and Byron Beck!

by Cassandra Koslen

It's finally gotten sunny on Mississippi, shedding much light on the vibrant fashion scene in beloved Portland.  While the Sentinel watches from the thick of it, crowds of neighbors in their native garb are strutting their Saturday best in full form.  

From ladies in the tightest of black jeans appropriately bunched at the ankles to parents in khakis and sensible shoes proudly pushing multiple children riddled in face paint along in triple strollers the size of small sedans, this street fair has it all.  Air-brushed tee shirts sporting pictures of wolves on mountains, sunglasses of all sizes, shapes and colors, sundresses, even a seven-pound dog lovingly held literally abreast of her proud owner in a floral-print infant carrier: it's all here.  

It's almost as if the Sentinel's costume box has already been distributed to this fine crowd.  Almost.  So if you don't quite believe that these pictures are North Portlanders 'dressed up,' this reporter doesn't blame you.  It's all about having a good time here on Mississippi.  Even I've thrown my inhibitions to the wind and taken to wearing a straw hat large enough to validate the purchase of a matching hand-made bag big enough to fit my bathroom.

If you can't see the clear enjoyment on the faces of these Sentinel Readers participating in the random fun of our costume box, you'll have to take our word for it.  Several passersby have already given us compliments, all of which we will dutifully revel in, perhaps the most recognizable of which to come from Byron Beck, who used to write the Queer Window column in the Willamette Week and now hosts his own blog Byron Beck's Window.  Beck called the Sentinel, 'the smartest little paper in town.'  A mighty thank you to you sir, we gracefully accept and appreciate your support. 

3:45 p.m. Cassandra Koslen

Who says Portlanders can't dance?  Located just off center stage, some very happy North Portlanders are proving that theory wrong.  And better yet, the dance party is growing.  With the help of some the Linda Hornbuckle band, some members of the NW Professional Dance Project are light on thier feet and engaging the crowd. 

In a quick break between songs, several members of the Dance Project did find their way to our ever-popular costume box.  They may be our most enthusiastic patrons yet.  Check them out yourself at their studio, which is always open to the public.

Also, check out some more happy participants of the custume box, the gift that keeps on giving.  Thank you Becca Robinson, truely a communications maven.  Young and old, all it takes to is a willingness to throw yourself out there, which is just the spirit of the Sentinel.  Now, if I could just find a cute little dog to stuff in that Christmas sweater, or maybe a Great Dane to sport the sunhat ...

5:58 PM

By William Crawford

It's cooling off here on Mississippi Street, but that doesn't seem to be stopping the crowds from sipping another margarita or chomping an exotic snow cone as musicians keep the tunes coming from the three stages.

Today the new Q-Center had its grand opening after its March move from their Southeast digs. Sunsoaked visitors duked inside their 5,000 square foot building right on Mississippi, south of Skidmore Street for a glimpse of their Lesbian art collection and transgendered library.  The new location will hold the officices of Gay and Lesbian Yellow Pages and serve as a LGBTQ community center. 

When the Sentinel passed by for a look, a DJ was spinning records in the parking lot, but the crowd had yet to truly get down. But as the saying goes, the beat goes on. There's still a few hours yet of the street fair, and plenty of partying vibes to spare.