PORTLAND, Ore. — As part of a push from Portland leaders to bring shoppers and crowds to downtown Portland this holiday season, the city announced Wednesday that an ice skating rink and a holiday marketplace called "Woodsy Winter Village" will open next month in downtown Portland.
The outdoor ice skating rink will be under a big tent set up near the west end of the Morrison Bridge, on Southwest Naito Parkway between Harvey Milk Street and Morrison Street. The Woodsy Winter Village marketplace will be located next to the skating rink.
The rink and marketplace will be open from Dec. 16 through Jan. 28. Holiday shoppers will be able to skate or just sip a hot chocolate and watch.
"Hopefully, this is the first year of many and a continuing tradition that we do downtown," Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio told The Oregonian.
Businesses in downtown Portland need a good holiday season. In front of a crowd at Pioneer Courthouse Square on Wednesday, the mayor and other city and business leaders sang Portland's praises and made a request.
"I love this place," said Marcus Harvey, owner of Portland Gear, which recently moved its flagship store to downtown. "I love its people. I love its streets. I love how we celebrate each other. Portland is a great city. Just come down, shop local, support local."
There's no doubt the Rose City, and especially downtown, have been through a lot the past few years. But looking around, it feels busier again. And the holiday vibe is now on, with festivals, pop-up shops and other special events coming.
"The private sector and the public sector are showing up," said Andrew Hoan, President of Portland Metro Chamber. "We can see it on the streets and the vitality all around us. So we need every Portlander to show up and support these events."
Also on the stage was Kristin Van Buskirk, a small business owner for over a decade.
Her home goods shop, Woonwinkle, is in downtown's west end area, where she said she's seeing positive changes that give her hope for a profitable holiday season and a chance to get out and enjoy it herself.
"Every person can do something to help revitalize Portland," Van Buskirk said. "It's as simple as just coming out and having fun, just showing up. And when you look at it that way, how can you not do it? So yes, of course I want to go out and have a good time."
Here's a link to some of the holiday happenings in downtown Portland.
