Portland Weird Fest returns to Oaks Park with chicken beauty contest, entertainers, vendors

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - The Rose City lived up to its unofficial motto on Saturday: Keep Portland Weird.

Portland Weird Fest returned Saturday, complete with a chicken beauty contest, kid’s rave and dozens of one-of-a-kind vendors.

“We wanted to do something that is a cross section of the weird, where people can come and check out the things that are typically in the nooks and crannies of Portland, but we wanted to put it on full display,” founder Christine Lassiter said.

Lassiter said she started Portland Weird Fest three years ago. The festival takes place at Oaks Park Amusement Park in southeast Portland.

“I came from a place that did not celebrate the weird,” she said, “and when I found my weird here, I thought it was magical. When we can bring people to come and see all of this and experience it whether they are weird or weird curious, I think it’s a great way to show that our weird is beautiful.”

Roughly 50 vendors participated this year, providing attendees with no shortage of weird and unique things to see and do. That includes Portland Insectarium, which brought bugs people can touch, such as beetles and a stick bug.

Mark Haapala and his daughter, Lyndsey, decided to show up in style. The two wore funky hats and elaborate coats with detailing.

“It was Weird Fest, so we thought we could relax and wear what we want to wear on any given day. I mean, it’s Saturday. This is what you wear on a Saturday,” Haapala said.

The two especially enjoyed the chicken beauty contest.

“We’re having a great time,” they said. “The chickens are beautiful. The competitors are amazing. It’s just joy and fun and creativity and what’s wrong with that. Honestly, just the opportunity to be your authentic self and to have that be celebrated instead of looked down upon is a positive thing.”