It's New Years Eve and time to say goodbye to 2012 as we welcome in 2013. The weather forecast says it will be cold and maybe even snowy, but according to partygoers we talked to, Portland's celebrations are sure to be hot.
And to make sure the streets are safe and everyone gets home unharmed, no matter how many toasts go down, TriMet is offering free buses and MAX trains from 8 p.m. Regular weekday services will run, and the agency is also adding late night MAX service until about 3 a.m. Try TriMet's online trip planner which has all the info you need to get to you destination safely. Visit trimet.org, or m.trimet.org
We asked some Portlanders, where they will be on the stroke of midnight. Here's what they told us:
C.S. Alexander |
C.S Alexander: HUD housing specialist, model and owner of the clothing company, I Rose Po
Where: With friends and family.
Why: "With the abundance of activity in both the political and social realm, I am going to spend the last hours of the year with friends and loved ones, discussing lessons learned from those events, thanking those who have walked with us, remembering those we lost, enjoying those we have found and analyzing the things we have done. The rest of the night I will be enjoying what is yet to come in 2013. I wish everyone a safe journey into 2013 and continued success!"
T.K Irving, right, with his uncle, rapper Vursatyle |
T.K. Irving: Weiden and Kennedy Intern
Where: At Self Enhancement Inc., 3920 N. Kerby Avenue for the NYE 2K13 Ciroc Upscale "Black Tie Affair" Featuring Live Music From Jarrod Lawson, Tamara Stephens and Farnell Newton and DJ Juggernaut. Tickets: 5033094374
Why: "I'll be at SEI for their party. There are going to be a lot of young Black professionals attending so it will be a great opportunity to network with them. I heard about it via word of mouth and Facebook. I know other positive people in the community will be there like Samuel Thompson and Monique Serrell. Plus it's nice to change things up for New Years and do something different. This will be a place that people can go and not have to worry about the hassles of downtown on a night like this. Although there will be a line, so I'm going early."
Also planning to attend the SEI event: Jonathan Demetrius Norman AKA Smurf Luciano.
Rochell Ro Deezy Hart: Hip-hop legend, activist and biographer
Where: The Governor's Ball, at the Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Ave. Portland, for an "Exclusive Evening of Dinner, Dancing & Celebration featuring the music of Patrick Lamb and a dance party with DJ OG One in the 3rd floor Ultra Lounge". Event is a benefit for Boys and Girls Aid.
Why: "On New Year's Eve, I will be the Governor's ball featuring Patrick Lamb, O.G. One and Liv Warfield Why: "I heard about it through O.G One. We are long-time personal friends and I am his biographer ... So with him and that line up, there was no choice to make ... it was a no-brainer."
Teressa Raiford |
Teressa Raiford: Business woman: Intrinsic Media and Business development; Hazina Management
Where: Benson Hotel, 309 SW Broadway, Portland for the All That Jazz, Roarin' 20s party, with live music from the Shanghai Woolies.
Why: "I will be with my family and loved ones and if it's not too cold. I will go to the Benson Hotel's Roarin' 20's party. I decided on going to the Benson Hotel because with all of the history projects I have been working on I would really like to end the year in a time period fantasy that can help me experience what it must have been like in those so called "good ole days" I have a few people I consider family who may attend with me if the weather is not too severe."
 Joyce Olivo Boss |
Joyce Olivo Boss: Owner Good Tymez Entertainment
Where: The Q Club, 704 Main St Vancouver, Wash., for the "11:59" party thrown by Anthony Blake and Kenny MacDonald.
Why: "I will be at Q Club in downtown Vancouver closing out the year with many of the same people who I shared special moments and memories with throughout the previous months. Looking forward to celebrating the New Year in good company and in good spirits! Wherever you are please bring the New Year in safely."
Clean and Sober: NARA Sobriety PowWow at the Oregon Convention Center Hall A & B 777 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to midnight.
TriMet Bus and MAX information
MAX Blue, Green and Yellow line trains will continue running until about 3 a.m. with service approximately every 35 minutes.
The last Blue Line trip to Gresham leaves Pioneer Square South at 3:07 a.m. and the last trip to Hillsboro leaves Pioneer Square North at 3:07 a.m.
The last Yellow Line trip to Expo Center leaves Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th at 3:02 a.m. and the last trip to Downtown Portland leaves Expo Center at 2:16 a.m. A trip to Rose Quarter Transit Center and Ruby Junction/E 197th leaves Expo Center at 3:41 a.m.
The last Green Line trip to Clackamas leaves Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th at 3:10 a.m. and the last trip to Downtown Portland leaves Clackamas Town Center Transit Center at 1:44 a.m.
MAX Red Line will not extend past regularly scheduled hours, however, after train service ends shuttle buses will be available to take riders between Gateway Transit Center and Portland International Airport as needed, until approximately 3:30 a.m.
New Year's Day – Tuesday, Jan. 1 On New Year's Day, buses and MAX trains will run on Sunday schedules. Riders should be sure to plan since not all bus lines run on Sundays. WES Commuter Rail will not be operating. TriMet's Ticket Office and Customer Service offices, including 238-RIDE, will be closed.
Have a safe and Happy New Year celebration. The Skanner News wishes all the best to our readers for 2013.
