The 2025 Rose Festival is gearing up for its highlight events, including the Queen’s Coronation and the Grand Floral Parade, with an exciting lineup of festivities planned in Portland. The festival court, comprising 15 young women from local high schools, has been actively engaging with the community, sharing their favorite festival experiences.
Kathy Nguyen from McDaniel expressed her love for CityFair, noting how it fills her springtime with joyful rides and tasty food, contributing to her childhood memories of Portland. Similarly, Gloria Zawadi from Roosevelt appreciates the carnival’s vibrant atmosphere, which features local artists and highlights the arts scene in the city.
For the Starlight Parade, Janiya Thompson from Jefferson recalls how enchanting the event is, reflecting the spirit of opportunity within Portland. Meerali Patel, who has fond memories of watching the parade with her grandmother, highlighted its beautiful lights and joyful experience. Addie Glem from Century shared a heartfelt connection to the parade, mentioning cherished moments spent with her late grandmother.
The Junior Parade also holds nostalgic significance, with Eleanor Isles remembering the joy of participating as a child. Brenda Martinez De Jesus and Isa Halle echoed similar sentiments, recalling their delightful experiences over the years.
As for the Grand Floral Parade, Sabrina Johnson from Cleveland appreciates how it showcases the city’s beauty and community spirit. Ava Rathi and Jayden Rendon-Ramirez both emphasized the sense of unity, diversity, and tradition that the parade represents.
The Dragon Boat Races are celebrated as a herald of summer by Sivan Safran from Ida B. Wells, while Avari Brocker from La Salle expressed fascination with unique boating challenges.
Overall, the sentiments shared by the court princesses highlight the Rose Festival’s ability to create cherished memories and a sense of community pride among Portland residents, making these events a beloved part of the city’s culture.
With the Rose Festival just around the corner, the local community looks forward to coming together in celebration and enjoyment of the unique events that characterize this festive time in Portland.