2020 Grand Floral Parade Sections
Celebrating Traditions presented by Darigold ~ Major milestones are celebrated in this section, as sponsor Darigold moves into its second century. Greenbriar/Gunderson celebrates its 100th with a sparkling float followed by the Rosie the Riveter marching group, saluting the contributions of women 77 years after this cultural icon made her debut. Rose Festival heritage is represented by the 50-year Court from 1969 riding the Royal Rosarian float. Portland Rose Society President Joyce Hemmerling celebrates the 130th birthday of her organization, the oldest and largest rose society in the world!
Play Healthy Northwest presented by Providence Children’s Health ~ Colorful entries reflect the terrific lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest, including a float celebrating the Cambia Portland Classic which invites the world’s best women golfers to Portland over Labor Day weekend. The bees busily buzzing around the fun float from Reser’s Fine Foods are especially animated this year! Mini-floats from St. Johns, Good in the Hood, Leavenworth and Seattle, Washington salute their neighborhoods and festivals. Watch for a certain bear who has been helping keep NW forests safe for 75 years!
Salute to Service presented by The Boeing Company ~ One of the most popular sections in the parade is led this year by elite marchers from the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and Drill Team. Emphasizing another kind of service, Meals and Wheels People celebrates the approach of their 50th anniversary battling hunger and social isolation of seniors in Multnomah, Washington and Clark counties with a beautiful float and the ubiquitous Precision Ladle Drill Team. Other entries salute civic service, military service, volunteer service and all kinds of personal and professional dedication.
Let’s Festival Around the Globe ~ Vibrant dancers, proud marchers and talented musicians populate this part of the parade, depicting the global diversity of the region. Float entries include the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association; and an amazing entry from Alaska Airlines emphasizing their Global Partnerships, specifically those Down Under, as well as their partnership with Make-A-Wish Oregon. A mini-float from Sapporo, Japan celebrates the 60th anniversary of Portland’s oldest sister city, anchored by an appearance from Sapporo’s mayor. Two other mini-floats represent colorful Canadian festivals.