The May 3 event — 5/03, naturally — also marked the launch of Ankeny Alley as the “Pink Light District,” a new identity for the narrow Old Town block known for its nightlife, restaurants and bars.
At 5:03 p.m., Mayor Keith Wilson proclaimed the holiday, then pulled a string on a pink streetlamp, lighting a pink bulb above the crowd and sending partygoers into loud cheers.
“We’re reimagining Portland and we’re reimagining the Pink Light District,” Wilson told the crowd. “Is this like the perfect day to celebrate Portland?”
Wilson also used the event to point to city investments aimed at bringing more people, businesses and activity downtown. He highlighted proposed storefront activation grants in his budget, saying the city could provide “$25,000 to help you open a storefront, $50,000 for a restaurant.”
Original Article by Mark Graves