Each holiday season I’m faced with the same dilemma – do I get my Dad a new wallet or the new Star Wars DVD?   I know, both are pretty lame gift ideas, but my Dad is by far the hardest person on my holiday list to shop for and I inevitably fall back on a tried and true (if boring) gift idea.

Well, fear not brave reader, because this year our own Lisa D. appeared on AM Northwest for a Downtown Marketing Initiative segment sharing five inspired gifts for guys that are sure to please everyone, even my “I want anything” Dad.  Best of all, every item on the list can be found in downtown Portland – talk about one-stop-shopping!

Looking for more unique gift ideas?  Check out this segment we worked on with Portland’s “Better” crew and the  Downtown Marketing Initiative’s Explore the Original gift guide.

The 3rd Annual Maritime Heritage Festival kicks-off today at 2:00 p.m with the largest flotilla in 50 years making its way down the Willamette River.  The Portland Fire Boat will lead the flotilla of 45+ classic vessels from the Broadway Bridge to the RiverPlace Marina.  If you are joining in on the fun at the Oregon Brewers Festival, that is also taking place on the waterfront, be sure not miss this spectacular of classic boats coming down the Willamette!  The Portland Fireboat will be sure to show off its stuff by performing a water demonstration (pictured below).

The Maritime Heritage Festival will be taking place all weekend long at the RiverPlace Marina & Docks.  Here are some highlights of the planned public events:

Friday, July 24, 2009

2:00-4:00 pm:
- Arrival of boats:  Ship Flotilla & Water Parade

Saturday, July 25

10:00 am-4:00 pm:
- Maritime Festival Village (land displays, demonstrations boat building, children’s events, etc.)
- Civil War Naval & Cannon Demonstration
- Dockside Boat Show (many owners available for questions)
- Concours d’Elegance
- Musical performances from regional favorites
- Vintage boat rides (owners’ discretion)

11:00 am & 2:00 pm
- Vintage water skiing show

12:00 noon & 3:00 p.m.
- Civil War Cannon Fire

12:00 – 2:00 pm
- Music: White Rhino

4:00 pm
- Festival ends for the day

Sunday, July 26

10:00 am-4:00 pm
-  Maritime Festival Village (land displays, demonstrations boat building, children’s events, etc.)
- Civil War Naval & Cannon Demonstration
- Dockside Boat Show (many owners available for questions)
- Musical performances from regional favorites
- Vintage boat rides (owners’ discretion)

11:00 a.m. & 2:00 pm
- vintage water skiing & water sports demonstrations

12:00 pm & 3:00 pm
- Civil War Cannon Fire

12:00 – 2:00 pm
- Music: White Rhino

4:30 pm
- Festival Ends

Downtown Marketing Initiative’s new ad campaign was mentioned in Sunday’s New York Times!

Visit http://www.downtownportland.org/ to view all of Downtown Marketing Initiative’s creative ad spots.

Four Downtown Marketing Initiative retail partners recently shared their favorite Christmas Eve traditions in Sara Perry’s Oregonian column for December 21st. Check out their unique traditions in the article and then post your favorite holiday traditions in the comments below.

Twas the week before Thanksgiving

And all through downtown,

No construction was ringing

Not one hammer sound

Today was the first day of the downtown Portland construction moratorium, and we have the fat man in the red suit to thank for it! Yesterday, Santa granted Mayor-Elect Sam Adams’ holiday wish… to clear the streets of construction gear and open up more parking spaces for seasonal shoppers. No more traffic snarls downtown? Looks like Santa’s gift is going to bring smiles to more than just Sam’s face.

Sam got a construction moratorium, and all I got from Santa was a mini candy cane. Apparently I need to clean up my act for next year.