Committee prepares for this year’s 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade

Get ready to come and see this great SE Portland tradition next Saturday morning, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. We’ve got the inside scoop right there …

Putting the finishing touches on the 2011 Portland Rose Festival 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade are committee members – (standing) Kathryn Notson, Ron Rentfrow, Nancy Chapin, Kevin Williams, and Tamara Spycher; (seated) Ruth Hander, Dianne Gill, Johnni Jones.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The only 2011 Portland Rose Festival event held in outer East Portland – the 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade – is back, this year, on April 30.

“We’re looking forward to another great parade this year,” said chair Ken Turner. “There are more entries, and there’s more music and more fun for everyone.”

Some 70 entries, representing all aspects of the community, will march or roll along this year. “You’ll see the snappily-dressed Royal Rosarians and outgoing Rose Festival Queen, marching bands, dance troupes, neighborhood and business association entries, active military and veterans groups, public service organizations, and much more,” promised Turner.

Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman will lead the parade, as this year’s Grand Marshal. East Portland News archive photo

When the parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m. – an hour later than in past years – the Grand Marshal will be Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman.

“Commissioner Saltzman was selected because of his many years of service, and his dedication to improving southeast Portland, including reducing prostitution and disrupting drug and other illegal activities on SE 82^nd Avenue of Roses,” Turner told us. “He’s been, and continues to be, a proponent of the overall improvement of outer SE Portland. We’re honored to have him as our Grand Marshal.”

82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade Chair Ken Turner makes sure the entries are ready to roll. East Portland News archive photo

Also of note, retired Clackamas County Sgt. Damon Coates – the law enforcement officer who was shot in the face while on duty several years ago – will ride in his “Purple Heart Nova” during the parade, and is honored as the Committee’s Choice entry leading the classic cars.

“This will be his first major public outing since his injury,” commented Turner. “This man is a real live hero in our community and we’re happy he’s joining our parade.”

Other entries include:

Marshall High School students lead the parade, representing the last days of their school and carry the parade title banner;
Music-on-the-march includes Ron Russell Middle School and Robert Gray Middle School, Kell’s Irish Pipes;
Lee Association will bring their long, red dragon to dance in the streets;
Portland Mayor Sam Adams partnering with Burgerville as they celebrate their 50^th anniversary;
Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish partner will march with Portland Parks & Recreation’s “Movies in the Park” entry;
Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz will appear with her famous “zebra car”;
Multnomah County Commissioner Judy Shiprack will be riding with Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 11’s crew; and,
Other entries too numerous to list.

The Robert Gray Middle School band is scheduled to return this year. East Portland News archive photo

Parade facts
On April 30, the parade starts out from Eastport Plaza at 10:00 a.m., turning onto SE 82^nd Avenue and heading north, passing SE Powell Boulevard.

The 80-entry parade continues north, past the official “announcer’s booth” at Portland Community College’s Southeast Center at SE Division Street.
The parade turns west on SE Yamhill Street, and finally disbands in the Montavilla Neighborhood.

Note: Both main and side streets are to be closed off along SE 82^nd Avenue during the parade.

As this flyer shows, there’s a lot of free fun to be had on April 30 on SE 82^nd Avenue.

82nd Avenue of Roses Community Carnival follows parade
After the parade, everyone is invited to come on back to Eastport Plaza, starting at 11:00 a.m. and enjoy a day-long community celebration.

“This year, you’ll find a community fair, carnival, and cruise-in,” said Eastport Plaza manager Dianne Gill. “There’ll be live music, free pony rides, free face painting, and much more.”

Free pony rides are one of the many attractions at the Community Carnival that follows the parade. East Portland News archive photo

Oh yes – and there’s lots of free parking, too. It’s at Eastport Plaza, 4000 SE 82nd Avenue (near NE Holgate Boulevard). For more information, see their official website: CLICK HERE or call (503) 771-3817.

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