The annual celebration called the Portland Rose Festival is once again about to start. It’s a month-long event that’s most noted by the carnival at the waterfront called the Multnomah Waterfront Village. Why they call it a village, I have no idea, but there’s lots of rides, food, games, shopping and fun to be had. This year it starts earlier than ever before, on Memorial Day weekend. The village will be divided into three themes at the park.
Week 1: May 28 - 31 All American Spirit
This week’s theme will open the celebration extra early with fireworks by Pacific Power, a free concert with Portland favorite Curtis Salgato, a candlelight flag dedication in the Field of Honor, and PDX Living Well will be featured on Naito Parkway on the weekend. The Danner Tribute Wall and Oregon Field of Honor will be present throughout the weekend.
Portland’s Memorial Day activities have been recognized by the White House as a participant in the National Moment of Remembrance. The Danner Memorial Day March and Commemoration Ceremony includes guest speakers, a jet fly-over, a 21-cannon salute and other activities that salute and thank our military personnel from both past and present. This year we welcome the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Barbecue and Brew Week - June 2 - 6
This week’s theme event is held at center stage. There will be cooking demonstrations and daily barbecue specials, as well as awards for these categories:
- Portland’s Best
- People’s Choice
- Cheap Eats
- Late Night Specials
On Saturday is the “Anything But” contest where contenders can use anything in their dish but beef brisket, pulled pork, chicken or ribs. There will also be an Iron Chef competition where the cooks have to make a dish using all the secret ingredients hidden in a bag.
This is the week the ships come in for Fleet Week, too. Also the Starlight Parade will be this night.
Week 3 is Circus City June 9 - 13
Featuring Clown Town, these guys do some of the biggest events in the Pacific Northwest.
- Junior Parade, the largest children’s parade in the nation
- Grand Floral Walk and fitness events
- Grand Floral Parade
The clowns will be in full regalia and entertaining people all over the place making people laugh with their funny shenanigans.
It’s going to be a great time! Now you know the themes, you can come dressed accordingly or dressed any way you like and you know what to expect. More on this festival later.
Portland, are you ready?
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