PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Rose Festival announced Thursday that Jenny Nguyen, founder and CEO of The Sports Bra, will be the 2024 Starlight Parade Grand Marshal.
Every year people pack the streets of Portland to enjoy the dazzling lights and colors of the Starlight Parade, the festival's main event.
"When we talked with the community about a Starlight Grand Marshal, the feedback was clear this year," said Nick Brodnicki, Portland Rose Festival's Chief Operating Officer. "We wanted to celebrate women's sports or small business. Jenny represents both of these ideas and so much we love about the CareOregon Starlight Parade and Portland; opportunity creation, representation, and great food and drink."
The Sports Bra made history as the first women's sports bar that only televises women's sports when it opened in 2022. It's become a now-iconic Portland destination that often draws crowds to celebrate women's sports.
"I have very distinct memories of both the Grand Floral Parade and the Starlight Parade from when I was just a tiny little kid," Nguyen said. "I remember waving to everyone at the Grand Floral Parade and then chasing intricate floats for candy or stickers or to pop bubbles.
"As I got older, I went to the Starlight Parade and sat on the sidewalk and watched glow sticks and colorful lights accompany the raucous energy. The Rose Festival has been one of my core Portland memories. I cannot believe that I would ever have the opportunity to actually be a celebrated figure at the center of it."
As grand marshal, Nguyen will get to enjoy this year's parade on a float riding down the streets of downtown Portland. The Starlight Parade start at 8 p.m. on June 1.