Roses: Portland's Favorite Flower

Well isn’t this the greatest time of the year! The City of Roses celebrating our Rose Festival. For the past 127 years, Portland has celebrated the beauty of our community, volunteerism and earth.

Celebrating our tradition unifies our community with the rest of the nation. The founders of the Rose Festival saw Portland on the map and knew everyone else should, too. Dubbing it the “Summer Capital of the World,” the festival has transcended almost 13 decades. In 2007 and 2011, the International Council of Festivals and Associations awarded the high honor of best parade the year. Just five years ago, the city council named it Portland’s Official Festival.

Previous to the great parade, the coronation of the Queen of Rosaria takes place. She is selected from the court of Rose Princesses, each representing Portland’s high schools. The first queen, Carrie Lee Chamberlain, was selected in 1908. Since then, these women consistently strive for the best. Whether that is through service to the community, academics, elegance or poise, the Queen represents the Kingdom of Roses for the festival.

Following the coronation, the Queen boards her royal float and awaits The Grand Floral Parade which entertains more than 500,000 residents and visitors. Floats covered in flowers showcase the different cultures and traditions prevalent in our city. Folks travel from all over the world to smell the roses. Create memories with your families and friends as you gaze upon the floats winding more than four miles through Portland’s streets and along the river.

So in a few weeks, after the Rose Festival festivities are now a recent memory, keep the spirit of Portland, Oregon alive. Visit your local florist to find some roses - just because flowers deserve to be cherished all year. We are, in fact, the City of Roses for a reason.