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Junior Parade

DETAILS

Location(s):

Hollywood District

Junior Parade

Date: May 30, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Parade Route Map

REGISTER/PARTICIPATE

2026 Community Entries:
Apply Here Before Friday, May 1st

2026 Dance/Drill/Baton Groups:
Apply Here Before Friday, May 1st

SHARE THIS EVENT

Fun reigns at the Fred Meyer Junior Parade from the moment the lovable Fred Bear cuts the ribbon to the last float that goes down the street. Children from all parts of Portland participate by dressing in costume, transforming wagons into floats, decorating bikes with colorful flowers, or just parading with friends and family.

Elementary and Middle School marching bands fill the Hollywood District with song, and dance teams add swirls of color to the celebration. Regardless of how you participate in this pint-sized parade, the kids of Portland enjoy their moment in the spotlight on KATU.

Celebrating our community’s children started early in the history of the Portland Rose Festival. In 1918, six kids in the Hollywood District were sorely disappointed about the cancellation of their beloved Rose Festival due to World War I. So, they decided to hold their own parade!

With a procession of two bicycles, one tricycle, and an express wagon carrying their own Queen down NE 44th Street, the first version of the Junior Parade began. Having been an official Rose Festival event since 1936, the Junior Parade is the oldest and largest Children’s Parade in the Nation.

Ways to Participate

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This parade is for kids! Get Creative, Dress Up, Build a Float!

Families and Groups

The Portland Rose Festival invites all families and groups to create kid-centric entries for the Fred Meyer Junior Parade on Saturday, May 30th. Entries can include community groups, affinity groups, small businesses, dance teams, sports teams, and more. Join the festivities by forming a walking group, decorating non-motorized vehicles, and hand-crafting floats for the big parade.

COMMUNITY ENTRY APPLICATION

You can also show up on parade day at NE 52nd & Sandy Blvd to visit the Decoration Station, presented by Visit Seaside Oregon, to get FREE materials to decorate your bike, wagon, scooter, umbrella, or yourself! You will then be directed to your space in the formation area to join the fun!

Quick Tip: Give yourself plenty of time. Arrive at least more than an hour before the 12:00 parade start time.

Let's Get Moving!

Dance, Drill, and Baton Teams

This is your chance to shine and show off your moves down Sandy Boulevard as you join the action on parade day.

DANCE / DRILL / BATON ENTRY APPLICATION

If you want your group to be included in the Television Script you need to submit your application by Friday, May 1st!

Ways to Watch

From the Street

The Junior Parade begins at Sandy Blvd and NE 52nd Ave at 12:00 p.m. It then travels down the one-mile parade route on Sandy Blvd, then turns North onto NE 40th Ave, then West onto NE Tillamook, and ends at Grant High School.

From Your Couch

If you can't get to the Hollywood District on parade day, stay tuned for more information!