Portland Bloggers have been getting together for fun, casual meet-ups since October 2011. It has been great fun. We’ve done crafts, brunch, cocktail parties, and listened to a guest speaker. In planning these events I’ve been able to work with some really amazing bloggers who have offered up their spaces, donated their time and efforts, and rearranged schedules to attend.
I’ve been wanting to grow the events into six fun meet-ups throughout the year. My hopes for the events are to include guest speakers and DIY projects during at least three of the meet-ups. The other three would be opportunities for bloggers to bring their significant-others along, family members, and eventually readers. This next meet-up is a family picnic that I have been looking forward to for a LONG while. I really can’t wait to meet everyone’s lovely families!
I knew the event needed to be in June to keep up with the every two months goal. But, I wanted a picnic…. and, in Portland the weather is a bit iffy in June. So, I picked late June hoping that the weather would cooperate.
So far the forecast is anything but hopeful. Myself (and others) have put a lot of time and effort into this meet-up and today I’ve just been stressed out about the weather. I’ve also been frustrated with myself, because I know better. I know better to plan an outdoor event without a plan B. Money was certainly a factor. Trying to keep these events cost free has been a difficult, but an important goal for me.
So, I’m habitually checking the weather reports hoping a strong wind pushes the weather away. I’m also trying to think of a good plan B. I’ve spent my entire day working on this…so, my post for today will wait.
In the meantime, I’m coming to you lovely party-people to ask: What do you do in these types of situations? And, if you are in the Portland area: Do you know of a venue that would be a good/inexpensive substitute for our event?
UPDATE: Thanks so much to everyone that helped with advice! It certainly helped… and, now we have an alternate venue that is going to work out wonderfully.
3 Comments
Darn the rain! My b-day is at the end of June and it rains almost every year. What about having your meeting at a park with a picnic shelter? Then you could continue the picnic theme but be pretty protected from the rain. This might also depend on how much it’s going to rain.
This site has a nifty search feature which allows you to narrow down your needs and “picnic shelter” is one of the options. http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/
Good luck finding a Plan B!
Darn the rain! My b-day is at the end of June and it rains almost every year. What about having your meeting at a park with a picnic shelter? Then you could continue the picnic theme but be pretty protected from the rain. This might also depend on how much it’s going to rain.
This site has a nifty search feature which allows you to narrow down your needs and “picnic shelter” is one of the options. http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/
Good luck finding a Plan B!
I don’t have a perfect suggestion… but one that might work is Vivo Vixens. It is a wine bar on 28th ish and Powell with a giant back room filled with couches and tables. The only downside…it is for 21 and over only. Ack. I’ll keep brainstorming!