Mt. Tabor is a dormant volcano surrounded by a 191-acre forested public park with hiking trails, reservoirs, a dog park, and a disc golf course. Each summer, crowds gather on a concrete walkway to watch gravity-powered, homemade cars race from the volcano’s summit to its base. Vehicles range from streamlined speed machines to whimsical, artful constructions designed to entertain. Drivers prepare and socialize in a large pit area near the playground, often allowing children to pose in themed cars. The event attracts creative participants and community spectators who celebrate playful, DIY ingenuity.
Every summer Portlanders huddle around the concrete walkway in the middle of the park and watch gravity-powered homemade cars hurtle down the track, from the top of the volcano to the bottom. Some cars are built for speed-sleek and low to the ground. Far more are built for artistic expression, to get the crowd hooting and hollering.
I was a ward of the state of Idaho, living in group homes and foster care. On my 17th birthday, I ran away to Portland. I was living in a provisional housing program off Hawthorne that unfortunately just closed due to federal funding cuts. In 2000, I wandered by, saw my first derby, and fell in love with it. It was the Portland I was looking for. Spray-painted, booger-welded frames... crazy, fun people being creative and having a fantastic time... I've been around ever since.
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