The excitement about PORTLAND 2007 is the enthusiastic support for the annual Four Freshmen Society Convention that will be held on August 2, 3 and 4.  That alone is enough to get excited about…but there is much more.  This will be the very first FFS convention on the west coast of the country.  Portland Oregon was chosen because it is located in one of the most naturally scenic parts of our nation.  Portland boasts one of the largest shopping centers in the State of Oregon.  Portland is located near the banks of the Columbia River, the second longest river in the nation.  Within an hours drive east you can be at Timberline Lodge on the side of 11,245-foot majestic Mt.  Hood.  An hour to the west is the shore of the Pacific Ocean and the scenic Oregon coast.  To the North is Washington State’s Mount St.  Helens, the site of the largest volcanic eruption in the nation in the last several centuries and it is now the only active volcano in the continental U.S.  and a favorite tourist attraction.  Any direction you go from Portland will surprise you with wondrous things to do and see.

Among Portland’s attractions located near the convention headquarters are boat cruises, scenic bus tours and close-by walking tours.  If you choose to drive, there is a large wine-growing region with many wineries.  Nearby Tillamook is the home of world famous Tillamook cheese.  The famous Howard Hughes flying boat commonly called the Spruce Goose is on display in a new air museum only a little over an hour away by car.  Since Portland is known as the Rose City there is an experimental rose garden with over 7,000 different rose varieties.  Portland itself is indeed a tourist attraction and one that you will want to explore both before and after the fabulous FFS convention.  We have contracted with the Doubletree Hotel, our headquarters for the convention, to host convention attendees for an additional three days before AND after the convention at the same reduced room rates.  To tell you everything that Portland has to offer visitors would take a book.  Your best way to find out is to come to the convention and see for yourself.  To make the Portland 2007 convention one of the best ever we have planned some special treats to entertain you.  There will be three evenings of entertainment.

The Thursday evening jam session will be led by our music director Trish Hatley and some of the musicians that she works with in her many professional performances.

Friday’s dinner will be accompanied by pleasant live background music.  The opening act for the FF will be an entertaining performance by a three part vocal group called Trish, Hans and Phil.  This short act will surely prepare you for the Four Freshmen concert..  Following the concert will be another convention first, a time of good listening and dance music for those who aren’t quite ready to call it a day.

The Saturday evening show will begin with dinner music by a different band.  The short opening act will feature Trish Hatley vocals supported by some of the finest musicians in the Northwest.  The FF will then take the spotlight for another unforgettable concert.  Just when it seems like the show is over you will be treated to another hour or more of good music for just listening or dancing to prepare you for a good night’s sleep.

Now, if that isn’t enough we have two added special treats for your pleasure.  We have secured the services of someone who knows the history of the Four Freshmen better than anyone else to be our Master of Ceremonies.  Some of you will surely recognize the name ROSS BARBOUR.  For some who are newcomers to the FFS, Ross is one of the original Four Freshmen who began a 59-year history that is still going strong.  BOB FLANIGAN, the only other member of the original group, affectionately known as “Group 1, who is still with us will also take the stage to reminisce a bit and bring smiles to your faces.

Intermixed with all of this will be the usual events like Fresh Talk, the Wannabees sing-along, the Board Meeting and the hospitality room with many new and old items for sale, including CDs, Records, the latest FF DVD and a special DVD showing many highlights of the 2006 convention in Pittsburgh.  The Doubletree Hotel is located within a stones throw of the Lloyd Center Mall, Oregon’s largest shopping mall and Oregon has NO SALES TAX on anything.  There is free light-rail transportation to and from the Doubletree to Downtown Portland and the rail service from Portland International Airport is less than $2, yes $2.00.

To learn more about the Portland area there are multiple websites and sources of information.  Your best source for information about the area is the Portland Oregon Visitors Association, www.travelportland.com or phone 1-877-678-5263.  You may also E-mail info@travelportland.com and as a last resort their address is 610 S.W.  Broadway Suite 200, Portland, Oregon 97205.  If that isn’t enough you may calloe E-mail me, Loren Knutsen, and give me your mailing address and I will send you an information packet with everything you want to know about the convention and a registration form for you to use to become a part of this gala event.  My phone is (360) 293-7308 and E-mail .

Yes, there is a lot to get excited and fuss about in or near Portland and the annual Four Freshmen Society Convention is a great reason to make this your vacation for 2007. Hopefully we’ll see you there next August.

PORTLAND CONVENTION UPDATE

When making your reservations with the Hotel use the following contact addresses:

..Loren Knutsen (360) 293-7308