The Portland Rose Festival Foundation Board of Directors is the governing body of the world's top festival. Up to 75 members implement the Foundation's policies, work on committees for Rose Festival events, and fulfill assigned roles at these events.
Mission Statement
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is a non-profit that serves families and individuals with programs and events that promote the arts, education and volunteerism.
We value environmental responsibility, diversity, patriotism and our historic & floral heritage.
2011-2012 Officers
| President: |
Sue Bunday |
| President-Elect: |
Todd Johnston |
| Vice President: |
Dr. Charold Baer |
| Secretary: |
Mike Cohen |
| Treasurer: |
Frank Chinn |
| Assistant Treasurer: |
Arthur De Bow |
Message from the Rose Festival President
Rose Festival had a fantastic 2011, but we're not resting on our laurels. We experienced a real renaissance last year, but in 2012, we're ready to rock!
Last season we rolled out a new version of our longtime Waterfront Park event: CityFair, featuring the RoZone and a major concert series. Rose Festival fans voted with their feet, and this great event experienced a landslide victory! People seemed to love the 'urban renewal' of our traditional festival center, including the covered shopping center, the exotic animals and all the special bargains. The bright new CityFair sign donated by Ramsey Signs was an attention-getter, and everybody in town was talking about Vertigo, the tallest ride to ever stand in the park!
CityFair was just one of 2011's blooming successes; our four parades --including the Danner Memorial Day March -- were better than ever, attracting huge crowds. And our fitness parade, the Regence Grand Floral Walk, had its largest year ever! When my ride broke down in the Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade, I had the chance to walk the route and have my picture taken with many of you along the way. I got to see that Carnival of Roses spirit up close, and it was contagious!
Our friends in the festival industry agreed, and in 2011 Rose Festival was named the Best Festival in the World by the International Festivals and Events Association. I'll never forget what it felt like to stand on stage and accept the award at the ceremonies in Dallas, Texas! (See the winning Grand Pinnacle entry HERE -- PLEASE NOTE: This can be a slow download.)
As I mentioned, we're not resting on our laurels -- or our Grand Pinnacle award! We're planning big things for 2012, and we have lots of exciting announcements planned for the weeks leading to this year's festival. For one thing, we'll be hosting a fantastic new event in May, the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Portland Half Marathon, a part of the world's top running series. The route will give both locals and visitors alike an up-close look at the beauty of this city, including the river, the bridges and the curb-appeal of some of our popular neighborhoods.
We're also re-launching our award-winning Living History program, with three new characters and a new school curriculum. These folks will help us celebrate the centennial of one of our important partners, the Royal Rosarians. In 1912 the Rosarians were established to help support the festival and to serve as the Official Greeters of Portland, and their organization has continued to grow and evolve as a nonprofit during the past century.
CityFair will be back this year with even more attractions, and we're already planning the features of our popular parades and other events. We know you're going to rock out at this year's Rose Festival! That's why our 2012 theme is Rock 'n' Roses!
Keep up with all the Rose Festival news at Facebook and Twitter (the links are on the bottom of our Home page), and stay tuned to this website for details about our events and programs. We appreciate your enthusiasm, your volunteerism and your support! See you at the 2012 Rose Festival!
Sue Bunday
Rose Festival President
