For a hundred years, the spectacle of the KeyBank Grand Floral Parade has helped define the Portland Rose Festival as one of the world's great celebrations. In this -- the Rose Festival's signature event -- the larger-than-life all-floral floats, high-stepping marching bands and impressive equestrian units tell a story throughout the grandest parade on the Rose Festival calendar.
Thousands line the streets of downtown Portland in anticipation of the largest single-day spectator event in Oregon.
The best way to guarantee a prime viewing location is by purchasing tickets for reserved seats inside or outside the Memorial Coliseum. Every single entry passes through the Coliseum (with ticket holders enjoying climate-controlled comfort) before hitting the streets for the rest of the four mile route.
Romancing the Rose in this year's parade!
The 2008 KeyBank Grand Floral Parade will be a moving representation of this year's festival theme, 'Romancing the Rose.' Three special sections will feature different takes on romance, including the Passion and Patriotism section, Frolic and Flirtation presented by the University of Oregon and International Enchantment.
One of the highlights of this year's parade will be the float sponsored by Portland General Electric, featuring three PGE customer couples that will renew their wedding vows during while riding the float! Couples will be chosen to participate in this 'I Do' Redo Contest via the PGE website.
Learn more
Character Clown Corps
Another way to participate in this year's parade is by discovering your 'inner clown.' The Character Clown Corps is a new program that offers an opportunity to entertain in front of thousands of spectators, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn the actual art of clowning from one of the Northwest's best.
Find out more info on this unique program HERE!
Fun Facts
How often does it rain on our parade? KeyBank Grand Floral Parade Weather Statistics & Records, 1955-2006. Source: National Weather Service Portland, Oregon
Tell Us Your Story
Your Rose Festival memories are part of the official history of this one hundred-year tradition. Have you watched the parade from the same spot every year? Have you or your friends ever camped out overnight before the parade or left your chairs on the route in advance of the actual event? Was a family member ever part of the Rose Festival Court? We want to hear your stories!
Our hope is to build a cyber history of stories that can be shared year after year! So we haven't stopped searching for more, even after our Centennial festival of 2007.
Email us stories@rosefestival.org and send us YOUR story! And please feel free to include digital images (photos or scans) that can be included when we post online.
Read the collected stories at OregonLive.Com HERE!
Read the collected stories at LiveJournal.Com HERE!
Official Auto Dealership of the Rose Festival Parades
As the KeyBank Grand Floral Parade's official auto dealership, Parker Johnstone's Wilsonville Honda is proud to be providing these beautiful Honda S2000 convertibles for many of the parade's dignataries. Parker Johnstone's Wilsonville Honda is home to "One Simple Price." No hassle. No haggle. No stress. All the vehicles used in the Rose Festival centennial parades will be available to purchase at the end of June. If you are currently in the market for a vehicle, this can be a very special way to own a piece of Rose Festival history! For more information please visit their website at WilsonvilleHonda.Com.
