Volunteers prepare for the 82nd Avenue of the Roses Parade

Take a look at all they’re doing to make this tradition – held this year on Saturday, April 26 – a success. Mark your calendar and remember to attend …

82^nd Avenue of Roses Business Association President Richard Kiley looks at a map, while helping plan the eighth edition of the 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
About nine years ago, when volunteers were seeking a way to highlight the positive attributes of SE 82^nd Avenue, they came up with what many said was a ridiculous idea – staging a parade along the storied thoroughfare.

Ever since the 2013 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade ended last year, volunteers have been steadily working behind the scenes to produce an all-new edition of this fun, family event for you this year.

Although the 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade now attracts more viewers than any other outer East Portland parade, there’s still plenty of room to have a “front row” seat at this year’s event. 2013 East Portland News archive image

And, on April 26, the eighth edition of the 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade will step out at 9:30 a.m.

“We count on the help of neighbors, businesspeople, and other civic-minded folks, to help us put on this event every year,” smiled 82^nd Avenue of Roses Business Association President Richard Kiley, of Home Run Graphics.

There’s still time to sign up to participate in the 8^th annual 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade this fun event. It’s free to do so! CLICK HERE for a parade application.

Parade coordinator Dianne Gill, Eastport Plaza’s manager, tells shares some of the many entries already signed up for this year’s 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade.

If you’d rather enjoy the parade by watching it go by, expect to see royalty, music, and pageantry at this, the only outer East Portland 2014 Portland Rose Festival event:

Grand Marshall Bill Schonely
Grand Marshall City of Portland Police Bureau
Portland Rose Festival Queen and Crown Prince
The Royal Rosarians
Portland Rose Society
The Beat Goes On Band
Last Regiment Syncopated Drummers
Orgullo Morelense Cemiac Mexican Band
Kell’s Irish Pipes
Lees Chinese Dragon and Dancers
Armed Forces
Budding princesses, floats, cars, neighboring businesses and community floats

Ruth Hander from the Madison South Neighborhood and Eilene Curtiss of the Portland Rose Society check on details for this year’s parade.

Starting at 9:30 a.m., the 2014 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade starts at Eastport Plaza, and heads north along SE 82^nd Avenue, up to Montavilla, disbanding on SE Yamhill Street.

Volunteer today: Many say being a “street monitor” is a fun and easy way to help out on the day of the parade – and to see the procession at the same time. To volunteer, contact Volunteer Coordinator Johnni Jones at johnni.jones@gmail.com – put “Parade Volunteer” in the Subject line.

Recognize Katheryn Notson? You’ve seen her, and youthful volunteers, carrying the official parade banner up 82^nd Avenue of Roses. Here, she’s helping prepare for the event.

Be part of the pageant – or simply enjoy watching the colorful entries pass by – such as Northwest Dragon and Lion Dance Association. 2013 East Portland News archive image

Community Fair follows parade
After the parade, everyone is invited to come to the free Community Fair held in the Eastport Plaza parking lot.

Visitors will enjoy exhibits by community-based organizations, multicultural entertainment and music, balloon animal artists, face painting, pony rides, and other family entertainment.

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