A Beginner’s Guide to the Portland Rose Festival
Few events can compare to the Portland Rose Festival. If you have the chance to attend, you should not pass it up. But before you arrive, you should also be aware of what to expect. That way, you can get the most out of your visit.
Each year, the “City of Roses” hosts a festival that justifies its name. If you happen to be in Northwest Oregon during the early summer months, the Portland Rose Festival is an event that you wouldn’t want to miss. This article will give you a brief background on the festival and clue you in on what you can expect to take place.
Before you head out to the Portland Rose Festival, you should take some time to appreciate the history of this occasion. Delving into the origins of the festival will only enrich the experience you have when you visit.
The first Portland Rose Festival took place in the early 20th century, making it now over one hundred years old. At the time, Portland was a relatively new city and was aiming to gain some acclaim throughout the nation. As a part of that effort, the city established the festival to prove Portland’s worth as a summer destination.
Since that time, Portland has experienced significant growth, but the spirit of the festival remains relatively the same. Today, the Portland Rose Festival is a way for Portland residents to express their diversity and sense of community. As of 2010, the Portland Rose Festival gained recognition as the official festival of the city.
Each year, the schedule of the Portland Rose Festival is slightly different. But in general, you can expect the event to begin in late May or early June. The festival will then last for a few weeks, during which time there will be numerous events and attractions. On average, the entire event will span two to three weeks. As you would guess, this time of year is also when many of the hundreds of rose species you can find in Portland are in full bloom.
Since the Portland Rose Festival lasts for multiple weeks, you can expect to see multiple events take place during that time. These events have been a part of the festival since its inception. And while some of those original events have gone away over the decades, a few others have held their place as a part of the ongoing festival traditions. Some of the most popular events that take place are the parades, including the Starlight Parade and the Grand Floral Parade.
Another significant event at the festival is the crowning of the Rose Queen. Each year the Rose festival has a royal court which consists of one senior female student from each of the city’s high schools. Of those court members, one will become the Rose Queen. Part of the prize for the Queen is a college scholarship.
Outside of those main attractions, there will be plenty of other chances for entertainment. Through the weeks, you’ll find opportunities to see fireworks, art displays, and much more. With so many exciting events taking place, the Portland Rose Festival is something you won’t want to miss.
