Portland has a long, interesting history behind it. As a result, various myths and legends have been established. One is the story of Cinnamon Bear, a unique holiday tale that is closely tied to Portland. Its origins date back to November 1937, when a radio program featured the adventures of Cinnamon Bear. This was a time before televisions dwelled in households, so listening to the radio was a bonding activity for most families. Ever since its debut, listening to The Cinnamon Bear on the radio became a yearly holiday tradition as it served as a countdown to Christmas.
The story follows two children, Judy and Jimmy, as they search for their lost tree topper, a silver star. While looking for the silver star, they come across Paddy O’Cinnamon (The Cinnamon Bear), a close friend of Santa Claus. From there, the three of them travel to the land of Maybeland, where they discover that the wicked Crazy Quilt Dragon has the star. As they search for the tree-topper, they come across many magical characters like King Blotto and Captain Taffy.
The radio show became a sensation in Portland. Former retail store Lipman Wolfe’s sponsored the radio program and hosted the real, live Cinnamon Bear in their department store. Crowds of children flocked to see Cinnamon Bear during the holiday season, creating fond family memories that have been passed down through generations in Portland.
While many have forgotten this piece of Christmas magic, families can still take part in the Cinnamon Bear celebrations by embarking on the Cinnamon Bear Breakfast Cruise. Hosted by the Portland Spirit, the cruise runs several days a week, mostly on weekends, from late November through the end of December. Boarding begins at 9:00 am, and the cruise itself sails from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. The two-hour cruise is the perfect length of time for families with little ones, plus it is early enough in the day for a successful naptime.
This cruise began in 2005 and has been held annually since then. Taking the family to celebrate its 20th season will be a wonderful holiday experience for everyone. A traditional American breakfast, along with hot cocoa, juice, coffee, and tea, will be served. Vegan and Gluten-free options are also available upon request. Families can dress however they would like for this event; however, warm and festive attire is encouraged. Remember, this time of the year on the Willamette River can be a little chilly. Every family will also have their own reserved table, so there is no need to scramble for a place to sit.
Kids 12 and under will receive a souvenir photo with Cinnamon Bear, along with a cinnamon cookie. A nice touch is that service gratuity is also included with your ticket, so you do not need to worry about covering that aspect. Other options will be available for guests, including souvenir boarding photos, drinks from their full-service bar, and merchandise from their gift shop.
There will be much to do when you are aboard the ship. Not only will everyone eat a tasty, filling breakfast, but many friendly characters from the tale of Cinnamon Bear will be there. Children will be able to play, talk, and interact with them, which will surely be a highlight. During the cruise, you can enjoy character storytelling, autograph sessions, and a magic show. And, of course, Cinnamon Bear will be present to spend time with everyone.
Ticket prices are $85 per adult, $60 for youth aged 1-12, and $15 for children under 1. Group discounts are available for bulk purchases of 10 people or more. This discount will be particularly beneficial for those wanting to bring their immediate and extended family, as well as some friends, along. Boarding is at the Salmon Springs Dock located at 1010 SW Naito Pkwy. Portland, Oregon 97204. The Portland Spirit will also dock at the exact location upon completing the trip.
If I am to be completely honest, I was a little skeptical of this cruise. I had never heard of the Cinnamon Bear before, so it sounded a little gimmicky to me. It wasn’t until I began researching and found that this is a beloved Portland tradition, even if it is not as popular as it once was. I even went to ask my own mom if she knew about the Cinnamon Bear. To my surprise, she not only knew who he was, but that she was one of those small children who flocked to see him in the city. I am excited for my children to take part in this Portland holiday tradition. While the Cinnamon Bear that dwelled in Lipman Wolfe’s is no longer there, the Cinnamon Bear Breakfast Cruise is an excellent way to see him still.
And don’t worry if you can’t make the cruise this year. Every holiday season, the students at Benson High School still air the original radio program on their airwaves on KBPS-AM (1450 kHz). It is the longest, continuously running radio show in American history. If this isn’t a real piece of Christmas magic, then I don’t know what is.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.