Today Portland's Rose Festival comes to close, capping two weeks of contests, fireworks, concerts, and parades. Thousands turned out Saturday for the 100th annual grand floral parade.
The Rose Festival's 100th annual Grand Floral Parade.
April Baer / OPB
The Grand Floral parade drew spectators like Maria Reyes, her husband and three daughters who drove 45 miles from Keizer.
"We got here like, around 9:30,' Reyes said. "We've been coming almost five years already."
Hundreds of people jostle for prime positions along the downtown parade route. But parade-goers like Reyes who didn't mind sitting on the East bank of the Willamette got front row seats for floats, rodeo queens, sled dogs, dancing flight attendants. and bands.
Trina Jones might have claim to the longest journey to visit the parade. She lived in Portland until her mid 20s. Now approaching 70, she just moved back from Florida this year. Jones was elated to take in her first Grand Floral Parade in 40 years.
"I love it," Jones grinned. I wanted to come back home. And hearing it was time for the Rose Parade, I was so tickled, I thought that would be over."
Today the floats can still be seen on display, next to the Festival's CityFair area.
Closing day events include dragon boats on the Willamette, and amateur drivers competing at Portland International Raceway.
