starlight parade portland

Did you know that an illuminated parade has been a part of the Portland Rose Festival since its early years? In 1907, "red fire" lit up the night as the fire department paraded along Yamhill street. The following year, more than 20 floats "brilliantly illuminated with electric lights and torches" came together to celebrate "The Spirit of the West" during the night-time parade.

Now known as the Starlight Parade, the Portland Rose Festival's illuminated parade remains one of our most popular events, drawing more than 250,000 spectators to watch sparkling floats, gleaming bands and glowing marching groups wind their way through downtown.

A favorite with community organizations, the Starlight Parade includes many entries from regional festivals, neighboring cities, and local charities, as well as outstanding support from our sponsors and local businesses.
Good Clean Fun

Along with our other two parades, the Starlight Parade shares the title of The Cleanest Parade in America, thanks to the efforts of our sponsors, Portland General Electric and SOLV, and many volunteers! The parade is broadcast live from 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. on KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8.

Buy a family treat for the Starlight Parade and Support the Rose Festival!

Paradise Bakery & Café is teaming up with the Portland Rose Festival Foundation and you can help support the Festival by purchasing an official Rose Festival cookie box of chipper cookies for ONLY $2.95! Paradise Bakery & Café will give the Portland Rose Festival Foundation 50% of all proceeds during the festival, May 22 - June 7, 2009. All of Paradise products are made from scratch, using only the finest quality ingredients & baked fresh daily. Visit one of four local Oregon stores (Bridgeport Village, Essex House, Lloyd Center and Pioneer Place) today and pick up a delicious box of our famous chipper cookies! Working together, we can support our community. If supporting the Festival in a sweet way isn't enough, Paradise Bakery will give a 2-for-1 admission coupon for the Waterfront Village for each chipper box sold! Visit their website to learn more.