PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The annual Rose Festival may be coming to an end, but summer in Portland is just getting started.
Mayor Ted Wheeler joined festival coordinators Thursday morning to kick off the city’s summer events in an effort to show Portland residents how much the city has improved.
After years of struggling with the fentanyl crisis, a pandemic, and a spike in crime, Wheeler said Portland has finally reached a turning point.
“What you’re going to see is a Portland that has greatly improved over recent years, and it’s going to be much safer with a larger police presence,” Wheeler said.
From the Pride Parade to the Waterfront Blues Fest, downtown Portland has plenty to offer this summer. Christina Fuller, the festival director for the Waterfront Blues Festival, said her team is “just thrilled.”
“We’ve been working all year long and can’t wait for fans to join us down at the waterfront,” she said.
A complete list of events — including the 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo, Sneaker Week, My People’s Market and more — can be found on the KOIN 6 community calendar.
