Celebrating Roses in Portland?
 

I see the parade is the weekend before we are scheduled for a visit. My understanding is that the whole month of June is dedicated to celebrating the rose in Portland. Can anyone tell me if there are any events scheduled for the middle of the month, say June 17 & 18? Or, in place of events, where would you suggest we visit on a one day tour?<BR><BR>Thank you!<BR><BR>Jean

We've visted around that time and found Carnivals, minor parades and other things going on. I think you'll probably still find a lot to do.

Click on the "Event Planner" at www.rosefestival.org for a list of events and activities. Two popular ones are the Portland 200, a CART race, and the airshow, which takes place in Hillsboro, 20 miles outside Portland.<BR><BR>If, on the other hand, you want to be part of "celebrating the rose", visit the rose garden in Washington Park.<BR><BR>

The main week of the Rose Festival is June 1-9. There are three parades and the carnival during that time. I didn't see anything specifically listed for your dates, but you might check <BR>www.rosefestival.org for further information. The roses will still be beautiful at the Washington Park Rose Garden (not to be confused with the concrete palace of the Blazers also called the Rose Garden, and there are always community events taking place in smaller outlying communities. Just touring the neighborhoods in Portland at that time of year is very lovely. Hope you bring the sun with you as it is never guarenteed here until July and August.

There are events all month long - some free and some have admission. rosefestival.org is the official website of the festival. I also find the portland citysearch site to be helpful. <BR><BR>It is raining here today but 70 degrees so bring your shorts and rain coat - though it might change by the time you get here. <BR><BR>Other things not connected to the rose festival: Saturday Market (eclectic colletion of people, stuff and food on Sunday too) downtown, Japanese Garden ($), Rose Garden (free) these are very close together and both offer wonderful views of the city and Mt. Hood. Of course the Columbia Gorge is beautiful but maybe too far for one day.<BR><BR>Enjoy!<BR><BR>