At 11 am yesterday, the crowds began to climb the steps of Portland High School to check out the 3rd annual Bayside World Market & Fair. More than 4,000 people turned out for a fun-filled afternoon of shopping, food and free entertainment. The event is put on by the Bayside Neighborhood Association and the Portland Public Schools as a way to bring together community members of all different backgrounds in a creative and festive atmosphere.

The fair featured more than 100 vendors, selling everything from wooden drums and metal wall hangings to hand-blown glass and custom-made ball gowns. As a member of the Bayside Neighborhood Association, I spent the bulk of my day volunteering at the neighborhood's set of four flea market tables on Cumberland Avenue and staffing the welcome table inside the front doors.

Here's the view of the sidewalk tables around the corner on Chestnut Street (you can see the twin turrets of the soon-to-open Grace restaurant in the background). The couple breaks I took from my posts included a quick interview with WCSH-6 and a fast tour through the inside market when I grabbed lunch.

Once again, the food vendors were a huge draw. While I was stationed at the welcome table, lots of people asked me where to find the delicious food they could smell but not see from the entrance. I was happy to direct them to the atrium between the upper and lower cafeterias. Here's the line on just one side of Nakornping Thai's stand. This is the second year the restaurant (which is located near Portland Stage Company on upper Forest Avenue) participated in the fair. I sampled some of their fresh spring rolls, which made an excellent portable salad.

Another repeat vendor was Passage to India. I snapped this shot while waiting in line to buy their savory samosas, which come with a red chutney dipping sauce. During the rest of the year, you can find them on Wharf Street.

This is the first time I tasted the baked goods from K Vegan Delights, which is run by Katiulca Rodriguez of South Portland. She bakes things like cornbread, brownies and chocolate cake in the Standard Baking Company kitchen. She uses organic ingredients and whole grains, but doesn't use any animal products. I tried one of her tasty fudgy brownies that was full of flavor but not too sweet. You can order her baked goods at Standard or by calling her at 939-7583.

Here's the really awesome free-form drum circle that took place in the garden area between the school and Freshmen Alley. I was psyched to catch a glimpse of it since my volunteer schedule kept me from taking in the free performances that went on all day in the John Ford Auditorium. But I did hear excellent reviews. And it was a treat to see Gregory Rec's beautiful photo of Rebecca Sen's Cambodian blessing dance in today's Maine Sunday Telegram. More photos will be coming soon from Cara Slifka and Sam Cousins.