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Originally uploaded by dieselboi ^[2].

We ventured down to the Mississippi St. fair yesterday and had a blast. I never thought it could be as big as last year, but it was. There were people crowding the street for 5 blocks shopping, eating and enjoying the music. The vendors were either local from the street or local from around the region. We got some amazing organic soap from Oregon Soap company and a handmade stocking cap for our future nephew/niece. The music was amazing. I think the best performances were coming from Mississippi Station. I’m not a fan of their food, but they know how to throw a party.

One local business seemed to not want to participate in this local celebration. Mississippi Records was closed with a cardboard sign in the window reading “Fuck your “Progress.” hmmm. Not sure what to make of this. I am challenged that by having a street fair to celebrate the street and neighborhood and bring neighbors together is in some people’s minds negative. I am not going to go into defining progress or discuss gentrification or the like. I will point out that Mississippi Records isn’t an original shop on the street. I believe they moved in only after others had take the risks opening their small businesses and helping the street revitalize itself. It is too bad that there is such negativity on such a great neighborhood day.