Archive for the ‘Arts & Culture’ Category
September 2nd, 2010 by Angie Marsh
Shoppers, media and community representatives were on hand for the grand opening ceremony of the new store.
Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH held a grand opening today at its newest location — Bridgeport Village! This is the first Saks 5th Avenue OFF 5TH located north of San Francisco.
The discount luxury store was unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and shoppers were lined up to be the first to experience what proved to be a glitzy, glamour-filled retail space. Before the masses entered, Tualatin Mayor Lou Ogden welcomed all to what he called “The crown on the queen that is Bridgeport.”
The new store manager briefly welcomed the crowd, saying Saks OFF 5TH is “happy to be servicing Portland.”
Tualatin Chamber President Christine Moore addressed the crowd, and followed up with the message: “We are so happy you chose Tualatin–people from Portland will definitely come here, to this shopping destination.”
The President of Saks thanked the crowd as well before cutting the ribbon and simultaneously throwing confetti and throwing open the doors. The space–once a grocery store nestled next to Sur La Table and Bella Casa at Bridgeport Village–is now a twinkling, high-ceilinged fashion mecca. Pink pendant lights and an open floor plan made this potential mob scene a pleasant shopping experience; there’s no way the organic food displays of the former tenant could have sparkled like this.
The ribbon is officially cut!
Clothes are grouped by designer; accessories are grouped by type; men and kids have their own sections; and the shoe area in the back of the store became a frenzy of sorts. Though the boots I picked out had a discount price of $419 and were placed back on the shelf, my $29 (fabulous!) Calvin Klein blouse rang up for $5 after I handed over all the coupons I was given upon entry, and gave my e-mail address to instantly receive another discount and get a “More” rewards card that involves coupons, and, well, more!
Even the mannequins were shiny.
With all this “more,” I’ll have to return soon to visit the perfect Betsey Johnson purse, er, handbag, I found. Or maybe the fuzzy Juicy Couture sweater, or the Saks brand pencil skirt…. it’s no wonder their tagline is ‘Saks Style. Outlet Prices.’
Confetti flew and the doors were then flung open.
Shoppers lined up with purchases and coupons in hand.
Tags: bridgeport village, designer shopping Oregon, oregon retail, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, shopping Washington County, Tigard Oregon, Tualatin Oregon
Posted in Arts & Culture | No Comments »
August 16th, 2010 by Birgitte
I fell in l
ove with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night when I first watched the 1996 film of the same name starring Helena Bonham Carter. Shakespeare’s wit, plot entanglements, and character mistaken identities got me hooked. When I heard that Bag&Baggage Productions was performing my favorite Shakespeare play, I didn’t hesitate. And a play performed outdoors in the summer was even more tempting.
Bag&Baggage is one of two professional theater companies in Washington County and performances usually are staged at the Venetian Theatre in Hillsboro, Ore. This summer, the talented cast performed the Shakespearean comedy outdoors at the Tom Hughes Civic Center Plaza (also in Hillsboro) July 30 – Aug. 14.
If you weren’t able to make it to “Twelfth Night,” Bag&Baggage has four more productions coming up in their 2010-2011 season, including the Shakespearean tragedy “Macbeth.”
The next show in its season is Tennesee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, which opens September 24th, followed by The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge, a twist on the well-known Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol,” which opens December 10th. Macbeth opens March 11th, and The Mystery of Irma Vep will wrap up the season next May.
Check out Bag&Baggage’s website for more details and ticket information.
Tags: bag & baggage, Bag&Baggage, plays, professional theater, Shakespeare, theater, theatre
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September 23rd, 2009 by Angie Marsh
Get out and enjoy unique events this weekend!
SATURDAY, Sept. 26:
Medieval Market Day
The Beaverton Farmers’ Market hosts a one-day celebration of a time when all markets were open-air markets. So put on your medieval garb and join in the fun, including artisans demonstrating medieval crafts, children’s activities, music, cooking demos and sword tournaments.
This event is held in conjunction with the Washington County Chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism – The shire of Dragon’s Mist, and is from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Oktoberfest at McMenamins Grand Lodge
Join in a free gathering at McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, complete with bands, beer, bratwurst and more in celebration of Oktoberfest!
Live music performances begin at 2 p.m.:
o CHERVONA (party troupe) 2 p.m.
o TRANSCENDENTAL BRASS BAND (marching jam band) 4 p.m.
o GYPSY CARAVAN (belly dancers) 5 p.m.
o DEER TICK (rock) 7 p.m.
o JACK McMAHON (folk/blues) 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, Sept. 27:
Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival
Enjoy the unique bluegrass and gospel sounds of the Misty Mamas band at this new annual event in Tualatin’s Browns Ferry Park.
Paddle your boat to the festival or borrow a boat on site from Tualatin Riverkeepers, the beneficiaries of the event.
A special Tualatin River Oktoberfest beer, brewed by Fanno Creek Brew Pub, will be available, along with Oregon pinots, sausages, veggie dogs and dessert.
Cost is $20 for adults; kids are free. The event is from 3 to 7 p.m.
Both SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
Festival Japan
Uwajimaya at 10500 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway in Beaverton, again hosts its annual free two-day festival, which includes Japanese food, music and art for all ages! It ranges from taiko drumming to martial arts. The fest is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tags: beaverton, Beaverton farmers market, live music, mcmenamins, Tualatin, Tualatin Riverkeepers, uwajimaya, washington county oregon
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Family Fun, Nature, Water Fun | No Comments »
July 14th, 2009 by Heather Anderson
Distilling lavender at Mountainside Lavender Farm
More than 20 lavender farms throughout the state opened their doors during the annual Oregon Lavender Festival. And what a weekend for this annual fest to explore the many lavender farms of Washington County! During the festival you can tour lavender farms, nurseries, and celebrate with a lavender-based Artisan Fair.
First we headed out to Mountainside Lavender Farm in Scholls, which has amazing views of the Cascade Mountains. There was a good-sized crowd at the farm, who were enjoying some live classic folk music while shopping the booths featuring local artisans and lavender products.
The kids really got a kick out of picking their own lavender (“U-pick” farms make for a great distraction for younger ones). The fresh-picked flowers are now proudly displayed on my kitchen counter. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to participate in the various ‘classes’, such as bouquet arrangement, wand and wreath making. We did have time, however, to catch a live demonstration on how lavender is distilled into oil.
Next up, was Helvetia Lavender Farm, in Helvetia, which overlooks the scenic Tualatin Valley. The farm was abundant with activity - people were in the u-pick fields, visiting artisan booths and enjoying tea time on the deck. We made a stop by the kids’ craft area, where we made paper lavender cards. The visit was accentuated with live music from a local country/folk musician singing fun songs that left us in stitches.
The highlight of the day, as the kids will tell you, was the zip-line, where they swung through the tree lines. How cool is that??!!
Great turnout this year, here’s to the next one!
Helvetia Lavender Farm
Helvetia Lavender Farm - Tea Party!
Weeeeeeeeeee!!!
Tags: agriculture, Arts & Culture, Events, Family Fun, farms, Helvetia, Helvetia Lavender Farm, Mountainside Lavender Farm, Scholls, washington county oregon
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Seasonal Fun | 2 Comments »
July 8th, 2009 by Allison George
Dancing at the Ball
Did you ever wonder how things went for Cinderella and Prince Charming in the Enchanted Kingdom after 20 years of marriage? Well then, do I have a theatre suggestion for you! “Happily Ever Once Upon” written by Virgina Kidd, is a delightful play that will be presented by the Beaverton Civic Theatre at the Beaverton City Library. This production is jam-packed with familiar fairy tale characters such as Goldilocks, Rumplestilskin, Red Riding Hood, Fairy Godmother, and Rapunzel.
When:
July 9- July 23, 2009
7:30 p.m. Thursdays
8:00 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays
2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinees
Where:
Beaverton Library Auditorium – 12375 SW 5th Street (5th & Hall) Beaverton OR 97005
For reservations call (503) 626-1936 or email beavertontheatre@gmail.com
Cost:
$15 General Admission
$12 Students, Seniors, and Groups
$5 Children ten and under
Community Partnership Performances :
Sunday, July 12: $5 ticket with donation of prom dress to Abby’s Closet
Friday, July 17: $5 ticket with used book, CD, or DVD donation to Friends of Beaverton Library.
Tags: Arts & Culture, beaverton, Events, Family Fun, theater, theatre, washington county oregon
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Family Fun | No Comments »
June 18th, 2009 by Sunyi
Hi Washington County groupie,
Here is a little post from one of our stakeholders. Summer eves + wine + outdoor lounge + movie??!! I don’t drink much wine personally (I know, it’s a shame), but I’d go just for the outdoor lounge. It’s gorgeous!
Check out this week’s flyer.
Hi Friends,
Thanks to everybody who made it out last Friday. It was a really nice evening of wine, garden time and one of our favorite movies, Cinema Paradiso. This week we are going to be open on both Friday and Saturday. Friday’s movie, ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’, is fun and represents a solid departure from most of our other selections. For those who haven’t seen Saturday’s movie, ‘Jean de’Florette’, you should, it’s beautiful and a great story.
We hope to see you,
Melinda and Stuart
Links – http://budurl.com/GrdnVyds & GardenVineyards.com
Tags: Events, Garden Vineyards, washington county oregon, wine, Wineries
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Food & Drink, Wineries | No Comments »
June 5th, 2009 by Allison George
Are you going to the Grand Floral Parade on Saturday, or watching it on television perhaps? If so, look very, very carefully for the green trim along the bottom of the St. Mary’s Academy float. It will surely be some of the finest tree branch artistry you’ll ever see- especially the front corner on the passenger side which- ahem- just so happened to be the section I worked on. O.k., o.k., it was a very small section and some of my coworker friends from the WCVA stayed longer volunteering as float decorators than I did. I’m sure their branch work is top-notch too.
Heft those tree trimmings Heather!
Make sure to cheer loudly for any Washington County representation in the parade: Tualatin High School Dance Team, Sunset High School, Washington County Fair & Rodeo Queen Melissa Weimar, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Posse. Speaking of posses and horses- cheer even louder for the volunteers on scooper duty!
Tags: Portland Rose Festival, volunteer, volunteering, WCVA
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events | 2 Comments »
June 4th, 2009 by Julia Adam
The North Willamette Vintners are kicking off their Vinology class series, featuring a Wine Lovers track and another for Professionals. The Wine Lovers series is the one for you whether you’re an avid wine lover or just discovering the lifestyle. This is an educational, entertaining and hands-on opportunity to advance your love of wine, with classes including:
- SWIRL, SNIFF, SIP, SPIT:
FUNDAMENTALS OF WINE TASTING; June 13, 2009, 1pm – 3pm at Oak Knoll Winery
- PRECISION VITICULTURE:
FARMING FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND QUALITY; July 18, 2009, 1pm- 3pm at Patton Valley Vineyard
- SPARKLING WINE 101:
EVERY DAY SHOULD BE A CELEBRATION; August 8, 2009. 1pm-3pm at J. Albin Winery
- BARREL MAKING 101:
THE CRAFT WITHIN THE CRAFT; September 12, 2009, 10am – 12pm at Elk Cove Vineyards
- SAKÉ 101: October 10, 2009, 10am – 12pm at SakéOne
For more details on these classes, complete details on the Professional series, and to purchase tickets, visit the North Willamette Vintners website.
Each class is only $30 in advance or $40 during the week of the class – don’t miss this opportunity to get the inside scoop on wine and saké from the pros!
Tags: barrel making, classes, Elk Cove Vineyards, Events, J. Albin Winery, North Willamette Vintners, Oak Knoll Winery, Patton Valley Vineyard, sake, SakeOne, sparkling wine, viticulture, Willamette Valley wineries, wine, wine education, wine tasting
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Food & Drink, Wineries | No Comments »
May 8th, 2009 by Sunyi
Writing personalized inspiration cards
Yesterday a few of us went to Washington Square to volunteer for the ‘Dress for Success’ organization of Oregon. For those of you who haven’t been keeping up, ‘Dress for Success’ is an international non-profit promoting the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
(Learn more.)
It was a big day, all 67 shopping centers owned by Macerich (they own Washington Square Mall), had a coordinated effort for Dress for Success. The goal was to bag 500+ ‘personal interview kits’ at each location to help a woman get primped and otherwise prepared for that job interview. And thanks to volunteers and all the donations, they achieved the goal. These efforts will reach a lot of women in need in our state. A worthy cause to support and promote!
- Allison & Heather of WCVA filling kit bags
While we were there we also had to check out the Titanic mobile museum. Warning: this museum is larger then meets the eye. We walked up to find a line had formed in the little break of sunshine we had and were treated to a VIP tour. Something to occupy your time while doing some shopping at Washington Square. It’s here and then gone on Sunday. It is headed down to Salem next week and then its off to another state. Tell your friends and family! 
Tags: Events, Museum, tigard, volunteer, washington county oregon
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Family Fun, Shopping | No Comments »
May 4th, 2009 by Sunyi
Hey Portland & Metro residents and visitors,
Here’s something free to check out while you’re out and about. Titanic: Treasures from the Deep, a new mobile museum featuring over 50 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site of the legendary RMS Titanic, tells the personal stories of its passengers in a setting unlike anything seen before. This experience will be on display at Washington Square in the parking lot near the Newport Bay Restaurant on the following days and times:
Thursday, May 7: 12pm – 8pm
Friday, May 8: 12pm – 8pm
Saturday, May 9: 12pm – 8pm
Sunday, May 10: 11am – 4pm
To learn more about the mobile museum, and to follow the Titanic: Treasures from the Deep tour, visit www.countrytitanic.com.
Kill two birds with one trip - shop and experience the Titanic!
Tags: Arts & Culture, mobile museum, Museum, Shopping
Posted in Arts & Culture, Events, Family Fun, Shopping | No Comments »