Music, popcorn, and weather to live for

Who could resist this bright yellow awning? It was stunningly, memorably, gorgeous, feel-happy weather here yesterday for the Astoria Sunday Market, most of which takes place behind me as I stand facing Humdinger Kettle Korn's tent. They're out for the market each Sunday. I chatted with Suzi (red shirt on the left) while her mom stirred the popping corn. I was on the wrong side for a photo as the popped corn was dumped into the big kettle on the right. They have an excellent and useful web site at http://www.humdingerkettlecorn.com/, complete with movie credits. It's actually fun to read, and for entrepreneurs, it's a great example of how a web site can enhance a business. This mother/daughter operation began on a farm and has grown to prominence in the area. They travel the Pacific Northwest, and show up each Sunday in Astoria. (Note, I had actually gone over to find a business that occupies this space during weekdays . . . you know who you are . . . we will talk soon!)

The weather was so perfect (not hot, not cold, and as you can see, the sun was out :) that cars and trucks were jamming Marine Drive (Highway 30) just behind me. Our two-lane one-way route between Portland and the coast. It was packed with people mostly moving through Astoria to points beyond, although there were plenty of reasons to visit Astoria this weekend, and many did. There were actually orange road construction signs and traffic controller so people could cross the street.

This weekend, there was a Lugnasa Festival put on by The Blue Scorcher and the Fort George Brewery (I think that's how it works), music events, art events and more. Once again, the band playing at Sunday Market (Floating Glass Balls; they have a wonderful logo and t-shirt - check it out!) provided quality music of the bluegrass-meets-the-Eagles variety. After the market, they played again at the Fort George Brewery. Sunday Market has been growing over the past few years and was packed yesterday. I someone in the band saying this was their only gig at Sunday Market this year, because so many groups want to play. This is certainly good for the people who enjoy coming out to the market, as the quality of the music just keeps getting better.

The River Walk, which runs just this side of the long red and white "14th St. Pilot Station" building had its share of traffic on foot, bikes, strollers, leashes, and skateboards. Just to the right of the pilot building is the narrow Waterfront Park dock, and on the back side of the building is the Columbia River and the place where the pilot boats dock. It's interesting, you can see them up close, and I'll post of photo one of these days. The red building is newly refurbished, and the part you can see in this photo (about half the building or less) is still available for lease. What a great location!

Take a look at more things yellow on Mellow Yellow Monday.