PORTLAND, Ore. — One of Portland’s most iconic summer events will kick off this Friday. The Portland Rose Festival brings weeks of fun, including parades, fireworks, a waterfront fair, races and other entertainment and celebrations.
Having been held for more than a century, the festival has deep roots. Portland City Council proclaimed it as the city’s official festival in 2010.
This year’s event brings a major change: the Grand Floral Parade and the Starlight Parade will merge into one celebration. Traditionally, they have been two separate parades alongside a third, the Junior Parade. There’s also newly added runs and an additional fireworks show on the waterfront to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S…