The 20th annual 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade returns on April 25th at 9:30, featuring over 70 groups, including many returning and several new participants. The event organizers will use the scaled-back route implemented last year, starting at Eastport Plaza and ending just short of Montavilla at SE Clinton Street. To celebrate its two-decade run, organizers are adding additional days of activities in the district on Friday, the 24th, and Sunday, the 26th.

The volunteer-led organization, 82 Roses Community Enrichment Coalition, produces the parade each year, having taken over the operation from the 82nd Avenue Business Association. For most of its run, the parade started at Eastport Plaza Shopping Center and ended on SE Yamhill Street. This year, the procession will start from SE Cora Street, across the road from Eastport retail complex, and march less than a mile north, ending right before SE Division Street. People can gather along the SE 82nd Avenue parade route to view the marchers and procession vehicles. However, with the parade no longer ending at SE Yamhill Street, Montavilla spectators will need to walk south past Portland Community College’s Southeast campus to watch the various groups walk, dance, or drive down the road.

Ken Turner started work on parade planning in 2006 when he served as the Eastport Plaza Manager and 82nd Avenue Business Association President. In 2007, the first parade participants marched along its route and quickly grew into a significant community event over the following years. It has been 20 years since the first event; however, they have had to skip the tradition four times during its run. Planned protests and safety concerns led organizers to cancel the parade in 2017. Leaders halted the in-person event during the pandemic and took the parade online for 2022. The traditional parade returned in 2023 to a crowd ready to see its revival. Volunteers bringing this East Portland event to fruition believe the parade shows appreciation for the diverse population that defines 82nd Avenue by celebrating the community’s art, music, and dance.

The Regional Arts & Culture Council and the Office of Arts & Culture provided funding for this year’s parade, along with sponsorship by several area businesses. Funtastic Carnival will set up in the parking lot of Hong Phat Super Center, 4200 SE 82nd Avenue, for all three days as part of the celebration. The Impalas Car Show will start right after the parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25th. The parade features the Rose Festival Clown Prince, Rosarians, brass bands, premier Chinese dance groups, classic cars, America’s First Corps Band, City & Metro Councilors, costume characters, dance and theatrical groups, plus Middle and High school Marching and Jazz Bands.

People looking for a front-row seat can volunteer as parade traffic monitors. One or two volunteers control every crossing along the 82nd Avenue route, and staff coordinators still need people. Volunteer applicants can complete a form at 82rosescec.com. A little before the parade starts, and to its conclusion, unauthorized vehicles are prohibited on SE 82nd Avenue from SE Holgate Boulevard to Division Street. People driving to destinations in the area during that time should select a different route. APANO and the Parade are also holding a SOLVE Oregon cleanup on Sunday, April 26th, from 9:30 a.m. through noon to clean up after the event. People interested in volunteering can sign up at volunteer.solve.org.

Disclosure: The author of this article is a SOLVE Oregon volunteer cleanup leader and organized the April 26th cleanup.