If you happened to ride the MAX line Downtown this morning, you may have thought aliens invaded Portland, or the Wicked Witch of the West’s off-springs came to life… But alas, the green invasion was inspired by none other than TriMet’s new Green Line, which opens September 12th and runs from Downtown Portland to Clackamas Townscenter.  In honor of the Green Line launch, Ensemble Inc. – a local performance group comprised of actors and ordinary citizens – decided to go green. Yes, they painted themselves, organized props, and even gave out Green Line information out to passerbys and MAX riders. Luckily we caught up with the group and filmed the action.  Check out the video below:

DOWNTOWN PORTLAND CELEBRATES MAX GREEN LINE
OPENING WITH DAY OF EVENTS AT PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE

What:

Green Means Go . . . explore the new MAX line.  Get a free ride on the new Green Line during the TriMet MAX Green Line grand opening celebration on September 12.  Events along the line at Clackamas Town Center, Pioneer Courthouse Square (PCS), SE Fuller Road Station, Lents Town Center Station and SE Main Street Station add to the festivities.

Following the arrival of the inaugural MAX Green Line train to Pioneer Courthouse Square, attendees will be treated to family friendly fun, live music, interactive art displays and performances, fashion shows featuring hot new styles from downtown retailers and cooking demonstrations by some of the city’s best known chefs.

Downtown retailers and businesses will be adding to the celebratory spirit by decorating their storefronts in the green theme and offering special one-day-only deals.

When:

Saturday, September 12, 2009
11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m:  Free celebratory events and festivities at PCS
11:30 a.m. to end of service: Free Green Line rides.

Where:

The new MAX Green Line light rail service runs from Clackamas Town Center to downtown Portland.  Go to trimet.org to find a park and ride station or stop near you.

Cost:

Free! All activities at Pioneer Courthouse Square are free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary for free MAX rides. Rides are provided on a first come, first served basis.

Hotel Monaco Portland is offering visitors the opportunity to create their own outdoor adventure. Their “Carless Vacation” package, that was in USA Today’s August 18th issue, takes full advantage of the the Hotel Monaco’s downtown location and proximity to Portland’s renowned public transportation systems, including the MAX light rail, Portland streetcar, bus lines and bike paths. “Carless Vacation” minimizes the carbon footprint guests leave in Portland and includes public transit ticket reimbursement and a variety of eco-friendly activities to enjoy during the stay.

Hotel Monaco Portland in USA Today

Hotel Monaco also offers a multitude of other outdoor activities to choose from, giving their guests the opportunity to create their own outdoor experience in Portland. American Way magazine included Hotel Monaco’s options of kiteboarding and geocaching in their August 15th issue.

Hotel Monaco Portland in American Way