On April 29th, the 17th Annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade returned to the streets with participants embarking from Eastport Plaza at Bush Street. The colorful and raucous group headed north on 82nd Avenue towards Yamhill Street. Spectators lined the entire path to observe the various groups walking, dancing, and cruising down the road.

What had started as a small parade in 2007 grew into a significant community event over the years, taking a break during the pandemic. After three years off, it returned with many familiar faces and some new participants. All four Portland Commissioners participated this year alongside the businesses and community groups. Portlands’s ABC affiliate KATU live-streamed this year’s event. A recording of the stream is available on the KATU website.

The 82 Roses Community Enrichment Coalition organizes this East Portland parade. Today’s celebration is the first event on the roadway since the City of Portland took control over 82nd Avenue from the Oregon Department of Transportation. The success of today’s event offers an optimistic view of 82nd Avenue’s future and a gradual return to normalcy.

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