May 22, 2013

This Friday officially kicks off the 2013 Portland Rose Festival!

Since its start in 1907, the Portland Rose Festival has promoted Portland as the “summer capital of the world.” The festival is organized each year by the Portland Rose Festival Association.

Enjoy events like the Dragon Boat Races, a carnival at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and three spectacular parades – the Starlight parade, the Junior Rose Parade, and the Grand Floral Parade. The Grand Floral Parade is the centerpiece of the festival. It’s the second largest all-floral parade in the United States, and the largest single-day event in Portland.

This year, Nick and his son are proud to represent the City in the Starlight Parade on Saturday, June 1.

This year’s Grand Marshal of the Rose Festival is fourth-generation Oregonian Gerry Frank. Gerry is an author, veteran, statesman, businessman, and volunteer. Gerry also served as Chief of Staff to former U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield for 20 years. Congratulations Gerry!

Start your festivities off by attending the opening night firework show this Friday. If you can’t make it this Friday, there’s a second firework show on June 7.

To see a full list of this year’s festival events visit the Portland Rose Festival website.

Portland Rose Festival Kicks Off May 24

In The Skanner News

photo courtesy of Portland Rose Festival