PORTLAND, Ore.- Gerry Frank is known for so many things, as an author, a speaker, a veteran, a statesman, a businessman, a volunteer, and a fourth-generation Oregonian with degrees from Stanford and Cambridge. Now the Portland Rose Festival Foundation has added one more title to his illustrious career: Grand Marshal of the 2013 Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade. Frank, who was introduced to an enthusiastic crowd at a special ceremony in Macy’s downtown store, Thursday evening May 9, will be featured in the ‘Celebrate Oregon’ section of the parade Saturday, June 8 starting at 10 a.m.
Gerry Frank, Rose Festival Parade Grand Marshal
“Gerry Frank and Mark Hatfield did more for Oregon than anybody,” says Brett Baker, Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade Chairman. “You can go to any community in the state and see a building, a bridge or public space that Mark and Gerry helped make happen. Together they brought light rail to Portland.”
The superlatives and accolades for Oregon’s own Gerry Frank cannot be easily summarized. Simply stated, Gerry Frank is Oregon. As Chief of Staff to former US Senator Mark O. Hatfield for twenty years Gerry earned the nickname “Oregon’s third Senator.” As a trustee to literally dozens of Oregon community institutions, Gerry has contributed his energy and expertise to Oregon’s evolution. He has served on countless boards, both corporate and volunteer, including being an honorary director of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation since 1969.
“Gerry has built a long career out of his love for the State of Oregon.” said Todd Johnston, President Portland Rose Festival Foundation. “There is not an Oregonian alive today who hasn’t been impacted by his work. We are honored to pay tribute to someone who has done so much for us.”
The filling of this year’s Grand Floral Parade includes three sections with special celebration themes, as well as many festival favorites, like the Royal Rosarians and the One More Time Around Again Marching Band presented by Standard TV and Appliance. For the first time in five years the Rose Festival Court will be presented on a float, a replica of one from 1946 sponsored by Radio Cab. Another new float sponsor, Life Flight, features an entirely different form of transportation, a helicopter! And the Spokane Lilac Festival celebrates their 75th Anniversary with a special appearance in the Northwest’s grandest parade.
Grand Floral Parade indoor reserved seat tickets are $30 and include the Queen’s Coronation presented by Pacific Power; outdoor prices are $30 for premium chairs and $25 for reserved bleacher seating (all ticket purchases are subject to handling fees). Tickets are available on-line at www.RoseFestival.org, the Rose Quarter Box Office or charge by phone at 1-877-789-ROSE (7673).
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.
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