EVENT INFORMATION

NOTE: REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR OWN FULL WATER BOTTLE AS THERE ARE NO WATER STATIONS ON THE COURSE.

Special Group Rates

It's your time to shine amidst the floral festivities of Grand Floral Parade day! Wear your group t-shirts and hats, wave balloons, or carry your nonprofit organization's banner. (See Important Rules below for signage restrictions.) You'll enjoy the cheers of thousands of spectators -- and maybe a few TV cameras!

Carnival of Roses Decorating Contest

It's Grand Floral Parade day, after all. What could be more festive than flowers? What could be more 'carnivale' than beads? Or balloons? Or big stuffed animals? Walkers are encouraged to incorporate flowers and other finery into their attire or stroller for a chance to win great prizes!

Route Information

Walkers should report to the formation area in Northwest Portland at NW Second and Flanders to check-in beginning at 7:30 a.m. At 9:20 a.m., walkers head across the Steel Bridge to Veterans Memorial Coliseum to line up. The four-mile walk route is also the route of the 2011 Grand Floral Parade, starting on the south side of the Coliseum, then strolling through the arena to greet the audience inside. Walkers can opt to do a two-mile portion of the course and exit and return to the formation area in northwest Portland, or walk the full four miles and enjoy a special parade viewing area near the end of the route. Remember: There are no water stations available on the course, so walkers should bring their own water bottle or other equipment.

[See route MAP.]

Watch the Parade

A special viewing area will be set up at SW 12th and Taylor streets near the end of the Grand Floral Parade route for walkers to sit in individual chairs and enjoy Portland's most popular event. Seating will be available on a first come, first served basis ONLY for walkers identified with a participant bib number.

Souvenirs

Every participant will receive a souvenir Walk t-shirt and other special items on Walk morning.

Support the Dougy Center

A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit The Dougy Center in Portland. The Dougy Center provides a safe and supportive place for children, teens, young adults and their families who are grieving a death to share their stories. They provide education, training and peer support groups.

Packet Pick-Up and Start Location

All registrants are required to come to packet pick-up on event morning, Saturday, June 11 at NW Second and Flanders to receive bib number, t-shirt and formation instructions. Packet pick-up will be open ONLY from 7:30 a.m. until 9:10 a.m. Once you have your packet you will be directed on how to move to the official starting area at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Important Rules

Please be courteous to the parade participants and spectators. Contact with parade spectators is not allowed. Please do not walk back along the parade route to join your friends and family. The Portland Police Traffic Division must clear the parade route promptly following the Regence Grand Floral Walk. Walkers proceeding the wrong way may be removed from the route.

Please help the Walk be a fun, safe event. Wearing headphones is discouraged. Bicycles, dogs, skateboards and in-line and roller skates are prohibited.

The Regence Grand Floral Parade is a fitness event, not a political march or rally. Participation in the Walk cannot focus on religious, political, ideological, social, or controversial themes or issues.

Signage is restricted to Group Entries, Official Sponsors or Special Guests. Signage text should include group name only: No commercial advertisement (other than official sponsors), no political, religious, social or ideological messages, no phone numbers or website addresses. Signs should be no larger than 2'x3' and must be carried by a registered walker. Signs and banners are subject to on site approval of the Regence Grand Floral Walk committee.

Amplified music is not allowed in the Walk.

Warm Weather Alert and Water Stations

Be prepared for warm weather and high humidity. Pace yourself accordingly. Due to the nature of this walk route, water will be available at the start and finish areas, but NOT along the four-mile route. You must plan on bringing your own water bottle to carry with you throughout the event.

Please call 503.227.2681 (the Portland Rose Festival office) for event updates.

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