2022 Grand Marshal

Mike Avent was born in Aberdeen, Washington, September 11, 1954.  His father worked in construction so he spent most of his young life moving with the work availability.  Mike completed his last two years of high school at Rainier.  He then attended college at Lower Columbia College in Longview.  He worked in construction himself until buying his own rental properties in the Columbia County area starting about 1977.  In 1993 he started his first company with a partner and purchased more commercial and residential buildings in Rainier, Clatskanie, Astoria and St. Helens.  Then in the mid-1990’s Mike was elected to the Rainier City Council serving 16 years.  During that time, he volunteered on the REDCO Board, Chamber of Commerce, H.O.P.E and Children and Family Services.  He served on COLPAC and was elected to the Port of Columbia County serving 16 years there also.  Mike and his partner (Steve Oliva) helped to facilitate the Senior Housing and Senior Center by developing the old Crown Zellebach Mill property where Teevin Bros, Condos, Senior Housing and Senior Center now sits and soon to be Rainier Museum.  Mike is still involved in a number of organizations while overseeing his businesses.  Mike’s interests are collecting antiques and collectables, metal detecting and ghost towning.  He is kept busy these days with eight grandchildren, who adore Poppa Mike, while also working on his new home and property that he just purchased outside of Rainier.  Mike said that “I find it rewarding to work for the Community that has given me many friendships and opportunities.”