The Queen and Princess of the Spokane Lilac Festival wave at the crowd during the Starlight Parade. 

The Portland Rose Festival, with this year’s theme as “Dream Forward,” includes parades, fairs, marathons and more, drawing thousands to downtown Portland.

Your Oregon News asked readers about their favorite events of the Rose Fest.

About 6% of our reader respondents said they attend at least one Rose Festival event every single year.

About 30% of respondents said they attend one event at least every two to three years; while 18% said they attend multiple events each year. Another 12% said they attended only once and won’t again; while 18% said they have never attended and don’t plan on it.

As for favorite activities, 44% of respondents said the parades are their favorite part of the Rose Fest. About 38% said they like the waterfront festivals; 19% like the community events; 19% like the marching bands; 19% like volunteering; 6% like the queens and court coronations; 6% like the runs and walks; and 6% like the treasure hunts.

Some of our readers’ favorite memories of The Portland Rose Festival include:

“Marching with Beaverton High Rhythm B’s (dance team).”

“I used to love getting a close-up look at the floats.”

“Attending the parade just after Mount St. Helens erupted. We were not going to miss it. Even though we had to wear masks, and there was ash in the streets, we were determined. It is a forever memory.”

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