In pics: Portland’s Rose Festival returns after two years of Covid hiatus
Gala Affair
For 115 years, the Portland Rose Festival has motivated people to come together and rejoice against the backdrop of momentous external influences.
This year, for the ‘Rose City Reunion’, the festival will return in a big way, illustrating how the community can keep traditions alive while honouring diversity and celebrating unity.
The festival includes the Grand Floral Parade, Starlight Parade, junior Parade, City Fair, and Dragon Boat race for a week, along with the Queen’s coronation and the Rose Festival Court.
(Image courtesy: Grand Rose Parade)
Grand Floral Parade
This procession is a magnificent floral filled parade, a beloved annual event of the festival.
The Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade has been creating memories for the residents and visitors for almost a century. The parade represents a colourful representation of local, regional, and worldwide communities that attracts thousands of attention and cheers.
Every year, this parade includes floral and mini boats, which make the parade so special.
(Image courtesy: Grand Rose Parade)
Starlight Parade
The CareOregon Starlight Parade is one of the most popular activities at the Rose Festival, with electric fun for everyone. The parade is an important part of maintaining a vibrant and healthy community.
The Starlight Parade is a long-running festival tradition from the early 1900s, when illuminated floats based on electric trolley cars paraded through on trolley tracks.
(Image courtesy: Grand Rose Parade)
Dragon Boat Race
The Dragon Boat Races began in 1989 and have been bringing an exciting Chinese tradition to Portland for more than two decades.
The races, which take place near the Hawthorne Bridge on the Williamette River, feature exciting four-team heats every nine minutes.
In boats provided, more than 60 different teams from local, national, and international countries participate.
(Image courtesy: Grand Rose Parade)
Queen's coronation
This year, the Rose Festival Court is present and will choose the next ruling queen during this ceremony, which is Portland’s most time-honoured tradition.
The chosen queen will represent Portland for one year at events around the country and beyond.
However, while choosing the queen, the judges take into account each court member’s leadership and academic accomplishments, civic activities, volunteer service, communication skills, and overall impression of a queen.
(Image courtesy: Grand Rose Parade)
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