18th annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade starts Rose Festival

The forecast of rain moving in from the coast may have kept some families from coming out for the 18th annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade on April 27th, although there certainly was a crowd along the route. But, as on every other parade morning in the two-decade history of this event, not one drop of rain fell on the parade itself, despite dark clouds hovering above the route.

As in past years, the parade formed in the parking lot of the Cinemark Century Eastport Plaza 16 Theater, and stepped out northbound along S.E. 82nd Avenue of Roses. It continued north, crossing Powell Boulevard and Division Street, and eventually disbanded in the Montavilla neighborhood, two miles beyond the starting point.

This year, the procession followed the lead of Portland Police Bureau East Commander Jake Jensen at the wheel of the Portland Police Pace Car, with retired East Precinct Commander Cliff Jensen riding shotgun.

They were followed by the Color Guard – Scouts from BSA Troop 24 and Troop 5024.

Adding color and zany humor were Portland Rose Festival “Clown Prince” Angel Ocasio and the Festival Clowns. After them came an amazing variety of entrants – from the “Bigfoot 56th Army Band” and the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus revelers, to the stately horse riders of the “BlackPearl Friesian Dance Troupe”.

Folks lining 82nd Avenue could hear the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers pounding out their precise rhythms from blocks away. Other parade entries featured local nonprofit organizations, school drill teams, and a perennial favorite – the tanks and vehicles driven by the Military Vehicle Collectors Club of Oregon.

“The parade is now presented by ‘82 Roses Community Enrichment Coalition’, a nonprofit 501c3 organization, and is funded by grants and sponsorships,” longtime organizer Nancy Chapin told THE BEE.

“Because of the diversity of those who live in this part of Portland, we’re proud that the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade features many representatives of this diverse community,” Chapin said.

This parade is the first official event of the Rose Festival each year! If you missed it in 2024, don’t do that again! Already, the 82 Roses Community Enrichment Coalition is working on the 19th annual “82nd Avenue of Roses Parade”, set for Saturday, April 26, 2025.

But why not take the time, right now, to enjoy a VIDEO of this year’s entire parade – right here! – https://youtu.be/daBjtkHezuY