Portland, OR. Dogs of all sizes, ages and breeds are invited to put their best paw forward to be honored as 2018 Portland Rose Festival Grand Marshal or serve on the Canine Court. In recognition of the role that the Oregon Humane Society (OHS) a has played making Oregon one of the most pet friendly states in the nation, the Rose Festival will — for the very first time — feature a Canine Grand Marshal in the Grand Floral Parade on Saturday, June 9th. The Grand Marshall could be a Corgi like one of those who helped raise money for OHS at special Corgi Beach Party.
Selected as the Portland Rose Festival‘s Official Charity for the 2018 season, OHS is joining forces with the Rose Festival to find Portland’s canine royalty and they’re asking for the public’s help. Five dogs will be honored as the official Canine Court, including one lucky dog being crowned Canine Grand Marshal. Information and applications are available on the OHS website and at all LexiDog locations. There is a $50 fee to apply which is a donation to OHS.
The Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade is the crown jewel of the annual Rose Festival. The Brilliant Oasis float took top honors in 2017 parade.
The parade draws hundreds of thousands of cheering viewers of every age, along a 4.2 mile route that winds through city streets and across the river. It features over a dozen full-size all-floral floats, all-floral mini-floats, marching bands, and equestrian units.
“It’s wonderful to be able to partner with one of Oregon’s most tenured nonprofits, one that’s been a part to the community even longer than the Rose Festival,” says Marilyn Clint, Rose Festival Chief Operations Officer.
A panel of representatives from the Oregon Humane Society, LexiDog, Rose Festival and Heathman Hotel panel will pick 20 canine finalists to participate in the Canine Coronation Ceremony at the Heathman Hotel, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 23. During this event, the canine court will be chosen! Winners will receive prizes worth up to $1,000. Additionally, during duration of the contest entry window, the Heathman will donate the pet fees charged to all guests who stay with their pets at the hotel to the Oregon Humane Society.
“We are honored to be named the official charity of this year’s Portland Rose Festival,” says Sharon Harmon, President and CEO, Oregon Humane Society. “Our organizations share a rich history and are part of what makes Oregon unique and special.”
“As OHS marks our 150th anniversary, it’s the perfect time to celebrate Portland’s love for pets by having a canine Grand Marshal in the Grand Floral Parade,” adds Harmon.
Here are more details about the contest:
Is your pup the perfect royalty canine-date? An Oregon Humane Society, LexiDog, Rose Festival and Heathman Hotel panel will pick 20 Canine Finalists to participate in the Canine Coronation Ceremony at the Heathman Hotel on May 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. During this event, the Canine Court will be chosen!
Event Details: Date – May 23, Time -6 p.m., Location – Heathman Hotel, Tickets -Will open May 1
Prizes: 20 finalists will receive a gift basket valued at approximately $100. The 4 Prince/Princesses of the Court will receive a gift basket valued at approximately $500. The Canine Grand Marshal will receive a gift basket valued at approximately $1,000, and of course, have bragging rights for being the only canine Grand Floral Parade Grand Marshal ever!
The fee to apply is $50. All proceeds benefit OHS. Entries must be received by May 14 at noon.
If you prefer to fill out a hard copy form, these can be picked up and turned in to any LexiDog location. Entry fee of $50 is payable when you turn it in. Please make checks payable to Oregon Humane Society. 100% of entry fees benefit OHS. Click here to download an application.
Drop off or mail your entry to any of these LexiDog locations:
- Pearl District: 416 NW 10th Ave. Portland, OR 97209
- On Macadam: 6100 SW Macadam Ave. Portland, OR 97239 (behind Starbucks)
- Lake Oswego: 131 N State St. Lake Oswego, OR 97034
- Southeast: 2929 SE Powell Blvd. Portland, OR 97202
Fine print: Male and female dogs may apply. There are no restrictions on the number of males or females on the Court. The Grand Marshal may be male or female. Canine Requirements: All dogs must be current on vaccinations, and dogs over 6 months of age must be spayed/neutered to be eligible. Canine Court Princesses and Princes will be chosen based on personality, poise, presence, platform and talent by a panel of celebrity judges. Dogs must be: Well-poised (be at ease and well-behaved in different settings, with all types of people and dogs). Well-traveled (comfortable on a leash and riding in a vehicle).
The Oregon Humane Society is the Northwest’s oldest and largest humane society, with one of the highest adoption rates in the nation. Founded in 1868, OHS receives no government funds for its adoption, education and animal cruelty investigation programs. Visit oregonhumane.org for more information or to make a donation.
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that serves families and individuals with programs and events that promote the arts, education and volunteerism. We value environmental responsibility, diversity, patriotism and our historic & floral heritage.
The 2018 Rose Festival runs from May 25 through June 10 www.rosefestival.org.
