Fred Meyer Junior Parade

Fun reigns at the Fred Meyer Junior Parade from the moment the lovable Fred Bear cuts the ribbon to the last float that goes down the street. Children from all parts of Portland participate by dressing in costume, transforming wagons into floats, decorating bikes with colorful flowers, or just parading with friends and family.

Elementary and Middle School marching bands fill the Hollywood District with song, and dance teams add swirls of color to the celebration. Regardless of how you participate in this pint-sized parade, the kids of Portland enjoy their moment in the spotlight on KATU.

Celebrating our community’s children started early in the history of the Portland Rose Festival. In 1918, six kids in the Hollywood District were sorely disappointed about the cancellation of their beloved Rose Festival due to World War I. So, they decided to hold their own parade!

With a procession of two bicycles, one tricycle, and an express wagon carrying their own Queen down NE 44th Street, the first version of the Junior Parade began. Having been an official Rose Festival event since 1936, the Junior Parade is the oldest and largest Children’s Parade in the Nation.

You may also like the following events from Portland Rose Festival:

• Next month, 14th March, 12:00 pm, The 2026 Royal Rosarian Milk Carton Boat Race Open House in Portland
• This May, 22nd May, 10:00 pm, CityFair Opening Night & Fireworks in Portland
• This May, 23rd May, 12:00 pm, CityFair 2026 in Portland

Also check out other Festivals in Portland, Kids events & activities in Portland.