Sunny Skies Greet Rose Festival Supporters for Annual Planting

Unsinkable Molly Brown and Silas Christofferson with Rose Festival Court Car from 1938

Portland, April 7th. Leaders of the Portland Rose Society, Royal Rosarians and Portland Rose Festival gathered for the annual Rosarian Rose Planting at the Rose Building in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Living History characters representing the early 1900’s included “Unsinkable Molly Brown” and “Silas Christofferson” who posed with a Rose Festival Court Car from 1938. (Photo Credit, Brenda Moore)

: Rose Society President Gretchen Humphrey, Royal Rosarian Prime Minister Rob Hungerford, Portland Rose Festival President Sue Bunday

The Portland Rose Festival hosted an open house in the national historic John Yeon building. Visitors toured the building and looked at memorabilia.

The Rose Festival was the winner of the International Festivals & Events Association Grand Pinnacle Award: 2011 & 2007

Displays of the Rose Festival’s rich historical memorabilia accompanied remembrances of important Centennial milestones, which include: the founding of the Royal Rosarians, the right for women to vote in Oregon, the daring flight by Silas Christofferson off the roof of the Multnomah Hotel to Vancouver, the opening of Terwilliger Parkway, the installation of the first Benson bubblers, the sinking of the Titanic and even the beginning of one of the world’s most popular cookie, the OREO!

Part of Portland’s popular culture for the past 105 years, the Rose Festival has its roots in tradition while its programming is both contemporary and nostalgic. With dozens of events spotlighting the diverse interests and culture of the community, the Rose Festival makes a positive impact on hundreds of thousands of lives annually.

This years Grand Floral Parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 9, 2012.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.