By Ona Golonka
GO ATTEND THE ... The 17th Annual Portland Juggling Festival.
All sorts of objects will be tossed into the air during this three-day juggling extravaganza. Jugglers from across the world and from Portland's own city blocks will entertain and showcase their talents and skills during the largest regional juggling festival in the USA.
Ever want to learn the ins-n-outs of juggling? Over 30 workshops teaching baton twirling, passing tricks, foot juggling, mime illusions and unicycle riding will make you a master.
Beginners as well as intermediate and advanced jugglers are welcome to attend and improve their skills. Vendors will also be selling rings, beanbags, balls, clubs and other unique juggling props.
The festival starts on Friday evening (Sept. 25) and ends on Sunday (Sept. 27) at the Reed College Sports Center, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd. Tickets are $35 for three days and $10 for a one-day pass. For more information go to www.portlandjugglers.com.
GO STUFF YOUR FACE AT ... The Polish Festival.
Grab a partner and dance the polka at the 15th annual Polish Festival this weekend! The smell of delicious pierogi, crisp potato pancakes and kielbasa will surely make your mouth water. As you eat your delicious food, watch Polish dancers from Poland, British Columbia and Portland perform fast-paced and energetic dances with ease.
International and local music bands will be showcasing their talent on the stage as well. As you meander through the crowds, don't forget to stop by the street vendors selling jewelry, souvenirs and art.
If you want to escape the crowds, go to the European Café where you can enjoy Polish cakes, coffee and tea. Join thousands of Portlanders as they celebrate everything Polish.
Free admission! Saturday Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 27 from noon to 6 p.m. Located on N. Interstate Ave. and Failing St. Take the MAX Yellow line to the Overlook Park station. For more information go to http://www.portlandpolonia.org/festival/.
GO READ AND/OR SEE ... "No Impact Man."
In a day and age where talk of sustainability and eco-friendliness engrosses a variety of media, another book or film about "being green" would seem redundant.
However, the book and documentary "No Impact Man" distinguish themselves from the rest of the pack by adding personality and family struggles into the mix.
What originally started as a blog written by Colin Beaven, evolved into a book and eventually a film of the same title. Both chronicle Beaven's one-year quest to make a zero net impact on the environment.
He takes sustainability to the extreme - not using the subway since its run by electricity, climbing 24 flights of stairs to not use the elevator and ultimately not using toilet paper. The mantra of no trash, no toxins in the water and no carbon emissions is shared by his wife and young daughter, who originally aren't the happiest of campers.
Though there were hardships along the way, Beaven and his family learned that such a daunting task is possible. And not only is it possible, it's also much more fulfilling than what it originally appeared to be.
The book and movie credibly combine environmentalism and entertainment into an enjoyable experience. Colin Beaven will be signing his book at Powells City of Books (on Burnside) on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. "No Impact Man" will be released at Cinema 21 starting October 9.
- Ona Golonka
