2026 Equestrian Division Application Form

The equestrian units have been a large part of the Portland Rose Festival since the start!

Our Equestrian Division strikes to include entries that reflect the finest in horsemanship, and the most exceptional, well-groomed, and highly decorated equestrian units possible. In 2026, the Portland Rose Festival proudly introduces an exciting evolution of two beloved traditions: the CareOregon Grand Floral Starlight Parade. This newly reimagined parade brings together the pageantry of the Grand Floral Parade with the energy and excitement of the Starlight Parade into one unforgettable celebration. By combining these iconic events, the Rose Festival is creating a single, dynamic parade experience that honors tradition while embracing creativity, community, and innovation. This year's parade is estimated to begin at 6:30pm.

This year we will present multiple class awards and our overall top award called the Vern Hulit Award. This top award will be given to the individual or group who is considered to most "embody the spirit of the Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade". This year's festival theme is Imagine Magic so start thinking how your entry could embody this year's theme and spirit!

Please be sure to read all information carefully. If you are the contact person for a group, it is extremely important that you make sure that all members of your group have all follow-up information, and that they understand the attached criteria, requirements and rules of the Equestrian Division. Some of the most important criteria and rules are listed here:

Since this is the Grand FLORAL STARLIGHT Parade, floral or lighted decorations MUST be present. All decorations must be pre-approved by the Parade Steering Committee. The Rose Festival Foundation does not provide any decorations for equestrian entries.
All riders and horses MUST have prior parade experience. The Grand Floral Parade consists of loud marching groups and large bands, both of which could cause the horse and rider unnecessary stress and possible injury without prior parade experience.
If your entry is a group of 4 or more riders, you will be required to provide your own scooper if your entry is accepted.
Attendants carrying banners are NOT permitted for equestrian units in this parade. Escorts on foot are only allowed for draft horse teams and wagons.

If your entry is accepted, a $25 per person participation fee and signatures of each participant acknowledging that they have read and understood the rules will be required.

Applications are due no later than Friday, April 3rd.

Equestrian entry applicants will be notified of acceptance no later than Friday, April 17th. If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out to our Equestrian Team for questions.

Contact Person Information

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

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Organization

Title

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Country

Postal Code

Phone Number

Participant Information

Participant Name(s)

Please list all participants names here:

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Country

Postal Code

Phone Number

Total Number of Riders In Your Group

Breed, Color, Name and Age of Horse(s)

Previous Parade Experience REQUIRED

(Riders and Horses)

Entry Information

Name of Parade Entry

Entry Class

See the Class Requirements below for more info

Grand Floral or Starlight Sections Note your preference but it's Not Guaranteed

Grand Floral Sections - Live Floral Decorations Required
Starlight Sections - Lighted Flower Pack Decorations and Night Time Parade Experience Required
No Preference

Grand Floral Sections - Live Floral Decorations Required

Starlight Sections - Lighted Flower Pack Decorations and Night Time Parade Experience Required

No Preference

Description of Attire/Costume

Description of Floral Decorations

Description of Tack or Equipment

Entry Photo This photo should show the riders in full uniform

Along with a photo of your entry, this year we are requiring all applicants to submit a video of the participant(s) and horse(s) in a previous parade. Please email the video to this email: haleyl@rosefestival.org

I agree to the Liability Release and Agreement
*

I have read and agree to the Equestrian Division Rules and Guidelines
*

GRAND FLORAL PARADE - EQUESTRIAN DIVISION CLASS REQUIREMENTS

RODEO QUEEN, INDIVIDUAL

RODEO QUEEN and COURT

STATE, REGIONAL, ASSOCIATION or NATIONAL QUEEN

Classes are for royalty of recognized rodeos or fairs, or state, regional, association or national equestrian organizations. For courts, uniformity of outfits and horses is stressed. Floral or lighted decorations are required.

NATIVE or NATIONAL DRESS/COSTUME, INDIVIDUAL or PAIR

NATIVE or NATIONAL DRESS/COSTIME, GROUPS of 3 or MORE

To be shown in native or national costume, such as Arabian, American Indian, Hawaiian, Mexican, Peruvian, Norwegian, etc. Originality and authenticity of costume, overall appearance of entry and interest to spectators is stressed. Floral or lighted decorations are required.

FANCY DRESS or OTHER COSTUME, INDIVIDUAL or PAIR

FANCY DRESS or OTHER COSTUME GROUPS OF 3 or MORE

To be judged on originality, authenticity, or novelty of costume. Overall appearance of entry and interest to spectators is stressed. Floral or lighted decorations are required.

EQUESTRIAN NON AFFILIATE GROUP

EQUESTRIAN DRILL TEAM

Uniformity of tack, equipment, uniforms and horses is strongly emphasized. Groups are asked to carry appropriate unit flags, guidons or pennants. Floral or lighted decorations are required.

COLOR GUARD

Uniformity of tack, equipment, uniforms and horses is strongly emphasized. To carry the American Colors, and, if desired, appropriate unit flags, guidons or pennants. Floral or lighted decorations are required.

I have read and agree to the Equestrian Division Class Requirements
*

We appreciate your interest in participating in the Grand Floral Starlight Parade and look forward to receiving your application to be a part of this spectacular event.

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