Memories of Rose Festival by Grace Augustine

photo courtesy of  Portland Rose Festival

This time of year my mind...and my heart...long to be in Portland, Oregon. Every June, Portland transforms into an even more beautiful place as the preparations for Rose Festival get underway. This year the annual City Fair carnival begins May 24th and Fleet Week begins June 5th.

photo courtesy of  KATU-TV

What is Fleet Week? Since it's beginning in 1907, visiting ships and other vessels, such as submarines, make their way to the Portland Waterfront.  It is a favorite port of call for military and civilians. When I resided in Portland in the late 70's, residents would adopt sailors for the 5 days they were docked. It was a time of celebration to thank those active and reserve military for their service. The Waterfront and Rose Festival are hosts to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Navy vessels from June 5 through 10th this year.

photo courtesy of Portland Rose Festival

The Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races are held on the Willamette River at Tom McCann Park on June 8th and 9th this year. This annual cultural event is hosted by the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association (PKSCA.) 1989 saw the first race with 31 teams registered to compete. The popularity of this race has grown to 90 teams from all over the world. They race in Taiwan-style dragon boats; each boat accommodates 20 paddlers, 1 tiller, 1 caller, and 1 flag catcher required for each race heat.

photo courtesy of  Portland Rose Festival

The highlight of this annual event is the Grand Floral Parade. This year the parade is sponsored by Spirit Mountain Casino and takes place at 10 am Saturday, June 8th. It is second only to the Pasadena Rose Parade in it's use of floral materials that must cover every inch of the floats. The 4 mile route  begins at Memorial Coliseum,crosses the Willamette River and winds through downtown to crowds of cheering people admiring the beautiful work of the floats and enjoying the many equestrian units and bands.

photo courtesy of  Portland Rose Society

And, if this isn't enough...The Portland Rose Society Annual Spring Rose Show, the nation’s largest and longest-running rose show, brings more than 4,000 blooms to the Lloyd Center Ice Rink.

photo courtesy of International Rose Gardens

If you live in the Pacific NW, I highly recommend you spend some time in Portland, The City of Roses. You won't forget your stay...While there, you may consider taking in Saturday Market, going to OMSI, the Japanese Gardens, spending time at the lovely International Rose Gardens, or touring the breathtaking Pittock Mansion.  Portland has so much to offer...why not see for yourself?

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