Monsters, by the thousand, invade Westmoreland

By David F. Ashton

The Bee, Nov 25, 2009

Hot dog! It’s Hot dog and condiments Mitch, Shelley, Duncan, and Henry Yoder!

David F. Ashton / THE BEE

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This, the ninth year of the Hallowe’en-themed “Moreland Monster March”, took to the streets to celebrate the fall season at 3 pm on Sunday, October 25th, led by Westmoreland’s Fire Truck #20, and officers from the Portland Police Bureau.

“As is the tradition, it’s starting off here at Llewellyn Elementary School,” said Tom Brown, President of the Sellwood-Westmoreland Business Alliance, as he and other Board members set out snacks for those completing the circular march and returning to the school.

“We’re proud to be supporting the school’s Parent Teacher Association,” Brown added. “We think it’s a great event to put on for the kids in the neighborhood — and, by looking at the number of adults dressed in costumes, for adults, too!”

Although segments of the parade looked like more of a mosey or saunter than an actual march, again this year thousands of folks joined the procession that traveled from the school, east to S.E. Milwaukie Avenue, moving south and then turning west on S.E. Bybee Boulevard, then northward back to Llewellyn on S.E. 14th, for cider and cookies.

“This is great,” Brown said, looking over the crowd. “It helps bring the whole neighborhood together. It’s one of the biggest events that we have all year long.”

Brown added that the business association was already preparing for their Holiday sale event, “Decemberville”, providing street entertainment, free horse and carriage rides, caroling, and “The best holiday deals in the town”, on December 5th and 6th. For more information, see their Internet website at: www.sellwoodwestmoreland.com.