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The Rose Festival Romances the Art of the Rose

April 25, 2008

Highlighting a commitment to arts and education, the Portland Rose Festival Foundation unveiled two new works of art this afternoon at the facilities of White Horse on NE Sandy Boulevard.

Renowned portrait artist Tedd Chilless captured the 2008 theme of "Romancing The Rose" with his 24" x 26" oil painting featuring two people dancing over the cityscape. Oregon College of Art and Craft student Christopher Kramer presented his award-winning rendering of the namesake flower for the festival's signature wine label.

"We're excited to have two wonderfully talented artists from two generations keeping the tradition of original art alive with the Rose Festival," says Mark McGirr, 2008 Rose Festival President. "Tedd and Chris did a great job of displaying their talents and skill with our favorite flower."

Displaying his other passion over the past 25 years of supporting the Portland Rose Festival, Tedd Chilless served with the Royal Rosarians and was elected Prime Minister in 2001. About his commission to create this year's poster, Tedd says "What's more romantic than a lovely couple dancing holding a rose in the early morning sunlight above our beautiful city with Mt. Hood in the background!" The painting that captures the artist's dynamic talent of light and color will be on display the month of May at the Lawrence Gallery, 903 NW Davis. The posters can be purchased at the gallery and Rose Festival office.

Ron Vuylsteke founder of Oak Knoll, one of Oregon's oldest wineries, was on-hand to present student Christopher Kramer a scholarship for his winning wine label in a contest co-sponsored by the Oregon College of Art and Craft. Restarting a proud tradition of supporting the festival and the community, Oak Knoll's 2008 Rose Festival signature wine, featuring Oregon’s popular pinot gris and pinot noir is available in area stores.

Would you like to own the 2008 poster? Buy it now! Click HERE to go to our online store. (You'll find the poster by clicking 'Commenorative Keepsakes' on the green left-hand navigation bar.)

The Rose Festival and Regence Bluecross Blueshield 'Step It Up' With a New Walk Event

April 17, 2008

There's a brand new event for the Rose Festival in 2008, the Regence Grand Floral Walk! The Rose Festival is partnering with Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon on a fitness walk that will be staged directly prior to the KeyBank Grand Floral Parade on Saturday, June 7.

Walkers will have the exciting opportunity to trek the entire 4.2-mile route or an abbreviated 2-mile version, in front of the crowd gathered to see the parade. Both Mark McGirr (PRFF Presiend) and Mark Ganz (President and CEO of Regence) will lead off the Regence Grand Floral Walk. The Battle Ground High School marching band (a longtime parade participant) will set pace for the walkers, followed by jugglers, magicians and roller skaters.

"After a successful Centennial celebration last year that led to us being ranked the Best Festival in the World, we knew we needed to kick off the next century with something great," said Mark McGirr, president of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. "This event shows the festival's commitment to a healthy lifestyle and assures that June 7 will be the biggest event day in the Northwest."

Regence is the largest not-for-profit health insurer in Oregon, and for more than 60 years the company has shared in the Rose Festival's tradition of community service by working to enhance the health and vitality of the state.

"As a local company, serving the needs of our community is an integral part of our corporate culture, and we are proud to partner with the Portland Rose Festival Foundation to add a new, health-focused event to a favorite Northwest tradition," said Mark Ganz, President and CEO of Regence.

The Regence Grand Floral Walk is also supported by Bally Total Fitness and Lucy Activewear.

Registration is now open. The registration fee is $15.00 per person. A portion of the fees will go to support The Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families. Learn More

Tickets are on sale now for the 2008 KeyBank Grand Floral Parade at the Memorial Coliseum Saturday, June 7. Reserved seats are available both inside and outside the Coliseum, prices are $30 and $25. Learn More

Five-Star Festival Taps All-Star Blazer as Grand Marshal

April 16, 2008

Portland Trail Blazer and NBA All-Star Brandon Roy will serve as Grand Marshal of the KeyBank Grand Floral Parade, the premier event of the 2008 Portland Rose Festival, on Saturday, June 7.

President Mark McGirr, Executive Director Jeff Curtis and KeyBank Senior Vice President John Nolting were on hand at the Rose Garden Arena on Tuesday night (April 16) at the final home game of the season to make the announcement.

"I am very honored to have been asked to be the Grand Marshal," said Roy. "It will be a thrill for me and my family to ride in the parade and greet all the fans of the Rose Festival and Trail Blazers."

"We thought it was a perfect choice," said Mark McGirr, president of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. "We're a World Champion festival and Brandon Roy leads a future World Champion NBA team, our own Trail Blazers! Brandon represents both excellence and sportsmanship, qualities we can all embrace. The Blazers and the Rose Festival are both winners and both institutions of the Rose City."

After being selected sixth in the 2006 NBA Draft, Brandon Roy made an immediate impact on the Trail Blazers and was named the 2006-07 NBA Rookie of the Year. In his second year with Portland, the 6-6 guard was named co-captain of the Trail Blazers along with teammate LaMarcus Aldridge. Roy, 23, bested his outstanding freshman campaign this season by being named a 2008 NBA All-Star and helping rekindle the spirit of Blazermania.

The Portland Trail Blazers were founded in 1970. The team's rich heritage includes 26 playoff appearances, an NBA championship in 1977 and a commitment to community service. With a corporate mission to "Make It Better," the Trail Blazers strive to help children and their families throughout Oregon and southwest Washington learn, play, grow, get involved and live healthier lives. The Trail Blazers are the first and only pro sports franchise to receive the prestigious National Points of Light Award for excellence in corporate community service. For more information visit TrailBlazers.Com.

Rose Festival Forms Key Partnership

April 2, 2008

The Rose Festival's most beloved event will now be known as the KeyBank Grand Floral Parade. KeyBank, the nation's 12th-largest branch network, with 69 branches in Oregon and SW Washington, annually gives $1 million to support charitable organizations, economic development and event sponsorships.

"The partnership will ensure the parade will continue to be a strong feature of the annual Rose Festival," said Mark McGirr, president of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. "We're thrilled to be associated with such a quality company."

KeyBank will tie in with this year's Rose Festival in many ways, including promotions in their branches, and will have a prominent float entry in the parade lineup.

The Portland LumberJax has Partnered with the Portland Rose Festival Foundation!

March 31, 2008

The 2008 Rose Festival Royal Court will be at the April 5 LumberJax game, playing against San Jose -- and we want you there! (Game time is 7:30 p.m. at the Rose Garden Arena.)

As a friend of the Rose Festival you'll receive two-for-one tickets to the game if you click THIS LINK, and enter the discount code: Rose

This offer is good for every price level, except the VIP Glass seats (Sold Out) and the 300 level General Admission seats. The 2008 Rose Festival and Your Portland LumberJax -- We're Ready, Are You?

Renew Your Vows in Front of a Half Million Friends!

March 24, 2008

One of the highlights of this year's Grand Floral Parade will be the float sponsored by Portland General Electric, featuring three PGE customer couples that will renew their wedding vows while riding the float! Couples will be chosen to participate in this 'I Do' Redo Contest via the PGE website. Relive your moment by entering today!

Learn more

KGW's Drew Carney Finds his 'Inner Clown'

March 23, 2008

Be sure to watch the Rose Festival's favorite clown, Angel Ocasio, show one of Portland's most popular media personalities what it's like to be part of the festival's new Character Clown Corps in 'Out and About with Drew Carney' this week!

Tune in bright and early Wednesday morning, March 26, to catch the antics on NW NewChannel 8.

For more information about applying to be part of the Character Clown Corps, check our Clown Corps page.

Send in The Clowns to Portland's Biggest Parade

March 12, 2008

Enrollment is now open for the Portland Rose Festival's new Character Clown Corps. Workshop dates are April 25-27 at the World Trade Center Portland. Participants who complete the three-day workshop will become members of an artistic clown troupe performing in front of a live audience of more than 500,000 at the Grand Floral Parade.

Applications are due Friday, April 4.

Learn More