PORTLAND, Ore. — For the first time since 2019, thousands of people watched the Rose Festival's Junior Parade in person in Northeast Portland on Wednesday, June 8. It was cancelled the past two years due to the pandemic.
The Junior Parade started at 1 p.m. on Northeast Sandy Boulevard.
Multiple bands, dance and drill teams performed. People also got a glimpse of Grand Marshal The Unipiper, who led the Woodmere Unicycle Club.
The Junior Parade is one of several Rose Festival events happening this week. More information about those events are included at the bottom of this article.
Junior Parade route
The parade route included Northeast Sandy Boulevard from 57th Avenue to 40th Avenue, going north to Northeast Tillamook Street and west to Northeast 36th Avenue at Grant High School.
Fleet Week
Another Rose Festival tradition, Fleet Week, kicked off June 8 and runs through Monday, June 13. Ships with the U.S Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy are arriving at Portland's waterfront and people will be able to take tours of some of the ships. Tickets are not required and the tours are free. The U.S. Navy requires that people be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. People also need to bring an ID and they must wear closed-toe shoes. Bags, strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed on board.
Grand Floral Parade
The third and final Rose Festival parade, the Grand Floral Parade, starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 11. It will feature large floral floats with bands, marching groups, drill teams and dancers, and vintage vehicles.
The Grand Floral Parade traditionally starts in Northeast Portland and goes over the river into downtown, but this year, it will travel on the east side of the Willamette River.
CityFair
People have one more weekend to check out the CityFair at Waterfront Park. It runs June 10-12 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. The CityFair features carnival rides, foods, interactive exhibits and musical performances. Tickets are available on the Rose Festival's website.