INCLUDES ROSY VIDEO | Discover how 132 amateur rose photos turned into a 20th‑anniversary showcase event for the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade …
The winners of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade event, the Rose Photo Contest, are on display here, in the Portland Community College’s Southeast Campus, in the Student Commons Building.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
What started in January as an online contest for amateur photographers culminated in a public showcase this month, as organizers marked the 20th anniversary of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade with a first time ever Rose Photo Contest and open house in April.
The contest, which opened January 23, invited amateur photographers to submit their best images of roses for judging by certified rose judges. It was promoted as a way for neighbors and rose enthusiasts to get involved early in the three-day community celebration around the parade’s milestone year.
Rose Photo Contest Chair Larry Smith shows off the winning entry at the open house event.
“This photo contest was held as a special feature in honor of, and as a way of promoting, the three-day community celebration of the parade’s 20-year year,” explained Rose Photo Contest Chairperson Larry Smith. “There were a few challenges along the way, including two members of our original judging team having to step out at the last minute,” he told East Portland News.
Despite those hiccups, Smith said, participation exceeded expectations.
“132 entries were received in the four categories,” he reported. “Three winners in each category receive a $20 gift card donated by Portland Nursery.”
These are two of the winning entries, on display at the open house.
The contest featured four categories: single‑bloom rose portraits, extreme close‑up macro views, scenes of rose gardens, and informal or traditional rose bouquets and arrangements.
The judges reviewed the entries, and selected three award winners in each category. The winning images were then prepared for public display.
This visitor takes in the winning Arrangement Photo, submitted by Michaela Ottaway.
Community members were invited to see the results in person at a Rose Photo Showcase open house on April 10 at Portland Community College’s Southeast Campus, in the Student Commons Building.
“The Grand Prize-winning photographer was Rich Baer – a member of the Portland Rose Society,” Smith reported – but not a professional photographer. “The rose is named ‘Dream Come True’.” Baer received a $100 award from the 82nd Avenue Business Association.
This video, produced by the organization, shows the winning entries:
Organizers said they hoped the contest, and the subsequent showcase, not only celebrated the 20 years of the parade but also highlighted the area’s ongoing relationship with roses – from backyard gardens to formal displays – along and around 82nd Avenue of Roses.
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
