We're delighted to partner with the Columbia Gorge Outlets to bring you the news of this exciting event on December 3 from 12-2pm!
Winter is the time for cozy slippers, hot cocoa, and binge-watching your favorite kid-appropriate series with your family. This is a pastime that we enjoy only as the chilly weather sets in, because there is something so lovely about getting snuggly and warm while indulging in a group-approved show.
According to my tween, we are also now officially in the season of winter shorts. Mysteriously, these shorts look exactly like summer shorts, in that they expose a large portion of my child’s legs, yet they are designated exclusively for winter wear. This is a phenomenon familiar to many parents, but one I feel the need to address every year as the weather turns chilly. This child needs pants.
Fortunately, we have plans to head out to the Columbia Gorge Outlets to tackle both aspects of the winter season. It probably goes without saying that I’m looking forward to scoring some epic deals on pants. However, I’m also excited to attend the Meet & Greet with Gianni DeCenzo on December 3, 12-2pm. After a several cozy viewings of the popular Netflix series “Cobra Kai,” my kids are thrilled about the chance to meet “Demetri” in real life. Gianni will be on-site to sign autographs and take photos with fans.
Much like our trip to the Columbia Gorge Outlets for last summer’s Meet & Greet with Boo Boo Stewart, we will follow our previous game plan, revamped for holiday shopping and cold weather items. To make the most of our adventure, we will:
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Take 84 for the 20-ish minute drive, with an arrival at the Columbia Gorge Outlets in Troutdale planned for just before noon.
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Head to the line with other fans. Last summer’s Meet & Greet included some folks with posters. We may just go for it this year, ourselves. Waiting in line is always a riot because everybody is so excited and giddy. It’s hard not to get a little caught up in it!
Starstruck children silently losing their minds meeting Ashleigh Murray of “Riverdale” at the Columbia Gorge Outlets Meet-and-Greet event in 2019. -
Watch in amusement as my children approach Gianni silently with giant eyes. As per every Meet & Greet event we have attended to date, I anticipate my children will lose their ability to speak once within 10 feet of a celebrity. Their faces may just be plastered with big, dopey smiles, and that’s a wonderful thing.
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Get an autograph or two and pose for a picture with Gianni.
- Leave the scene with kids still acting pretty silly from the excitement of it all, then throw our name into some drawings for gift cards and other prizes.
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Hit the shops! We’ll make the following stops to grab some great deals for ourselves and gifts for others:
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Levi’s Outlet: Pants! Pants! More pants!
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Columbia Factory Store: This is a delightfully dangerous destination for anyone in the Pacific Northwest.
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Carter’s Outlet: Have you seen their winter coats?
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Loft Outlet: I admit this stop is 100% for myself.
- Gap Factory Outlet: More winter-appropriate pant options to cover my child’s legs!
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The Columbia Gorge Outlets offer more fun, family-friendly, events throughout the year. Follow them on Facebook or check out their website for details!
Columbia Gorge Outlets
450 NW 257th Way
Troutdale OR 97060
www.shopcolumbiagorgeoutlets.com
Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sun 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
