PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — With a planned protest looming in Portland, some downtown events are making changes due to safety concerns.
A rally against anti-fascists being advertised for Aug. 17 is expected to draw far-right groups such as the Proud Boys, Oathkeepers and Three Percenters to Portland. Rose City Antifa has issued a statement asking counter-protesters to defend Portland from a “far-right attack.”
The annual “Summer Smoker” boxing match at Kells Irish Pub has been canceled. The Havana Nights themed fundraiser was to be held Saturday evening.
“With an abundance of caution, the Summer Smoker Boxing event has been canceled for the safety of patrons and employees due to the events planned for this weekend,” owner Lucille McAleese said.
The Roses on the River 5K event was relocated to the Eastbank Festival Plaza at 10 SE Main Street. It was originally to be held on the west side.
“It was a scramble to get everything done,” Terrapin Events owner Aaron Montaglione said. “We did it — we found a change of venue, we moved over to the Eastbank Festival Plaza.”
Montaglione said races like this are planned months in advance.
“It’s frustrating that they can just come in here and disrupt everything and not really have a care that they’re disrupting a city that’s a great city with a lot of great people that are looking to have a fun time and be a good community and that’s all being disrupted and we don’t really have a say in it,” Montaglione said.
The Growler Guys on the south waterfront decided to postpone its scavenger hunt.
“It is most important to us that those who attend are able to stay safe,” they wrote on Twitter. “We will be working hard to find another weekend to host this awesome event!”
Police are actively working on a plan for the August 17 protest. Mayor Ted Wheeler told KOIN 6 News “things will be different” that day. He said the city has already been in touch with federal, state and regional law enforcement as well as with Gov. Brown’s office for additional resources and help that day.