While memorizing names and dates are important in their own right—we’re turning this weekend into our own history course! It is what the great people of the past have done that has inspired and influenced who we are today, both as a society and as individuals. This weekend, we want to take a closer look at how our nation and its culture have grown throughout the years!

Portland Veterans Day Parade: Nov 11th

Portland’s only Veterans Day parade was established in 1974. Vernon E. Ross, the proprietor of Ross Hollywood Funeral Chapel, founded the parade to honor all past and present living and deceased veterans. Today, the tradition is carried on by local organizations and individuals. The parade would not be possible without our volunteers and generous sponsorships. Visit veteransdayPDX.org to view the parade route/location, register to be in the parade, sign up to volunteer, and sponsor.

Holiday Food and Gift Festival: Nov 11th-13th

The Annual Holiday Food and Gift Festival returns to Portland. This Festival is one of the largest holiday celebrations in the Northwest, drawing thousands of attendees annually who happily complete their holiday shopping early. With hundreds and hundreds of exhibitors, the Festival will provide shoppers with one-of-a-kind gifts that cannot be found anywhere else. Featuring art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, woodcraft, music, photography, toys, Christmas décor, and much more, make this a gift buyer’s delight. There is a large gourmet food area where you can sample and purchase a wide range of food items, including tea, chocolates, pasta, soups, dips, meats, coffee, jams, shortbread, salsas, oils and vinegar, honey, sauces and many more delights.

Kumoricon: Nov 11th-13th

Kumoricon showcases anime and Japanese culture every November in Portland. Gaining its namesake (kumori) from the Japanese word “cloudy,” Kumoricon embodies the best parts of fandom and what it is to live in the Pacific Northwest. Stretching across generations, anime fans have gathered together for an amazing annual event. The Kumoricon family is growing with every passing year, making it the largest anime convention in Oregon.