The 82nd Avenue of Roses parade is the first sanctioned event of the Portland Rose Festival season. Roses are very big around here.
I live about five blocks away from 82nd Ave, so when I heard the drums from my house, I made a last minute decision. Quick-changed out of my jammies (come on, don’t judge, it’s the weekend!), grabbed my camera, and hustled over to 82nd Street by 10am. I missed the beginning, but arrived in time to catch some good stuff.
The banner “Orgullo Morelense Cemiac” was one of the first I saw. I had never heard of these dancers until Saturday. I had to look them up. They are American citizens with roots in Morelos, Mexico, performing the Chinelo traditional dance popular in that region. I read in one Oregonian piece that the leader had one costume made to honor his new home in Oregon. I wonder if that’s the one you see above, on the right. (click the image to enlarge it)
We are simpler and more “small-town” out this far from the city center. I was also standing at the very end of the parade, so you see there weren’t many spectators. It was the kind of parade that makes you feel like you’re in a neighborhood. Which I am.
Conscious Engagement 
Miss Tall Portland!! Awesome!
That made me remember, when I lived in Northern Idaho and got to see the Idaho County Beef Queen.
there’s just something special about a small town / city parade 🙂
Beef Queen! That’s too great. I know there are some dubious honorary titles out there in America. It would be fun to see a post about some of the silliest and most interesting ones. When I moved to Idaho in 1980, I was told that the population of cattle was greater than the population of people in the state. So, you know, Beef Queen is obviously no small matter. 😉
Oh how fun! Smiled through the entire parade. Thanks Cuz. :=)
It would have been fun to run over to 82nd Street with you Saturday morning, Cuz. Too bad we live so far apart from each other. You probably would have got as much of a kick out of it as I did. The little girl made my day for sure. She would holler and whoop with unrestrained enthusiasm whether it was a politician or Ronald McDonald, and if one of the floats had someone not paying attention, she would call out, “Hello! How are you? I like your car!” And they couldn’t resist her. The photo of Miss Tall Portland is when she blew a kiss to the girl.
wow the dancers’ outfit are so colorful and full of details!! Wonder how long it takes to make them ~ The personalities at this parade kind of reminds of How Weird Street Faire in San Francisco.
I found out a little information about the Mexican costumes, and it takes months for one to be made by hand, and costs thousands of dollars. I loved your photos from the How Weird Street Faire. Since I checked both your 2011 and 2014 post, I was able to see how much your photography has improved in that time. Your ability to capture fabulous photos was showcased in your last post. Just beautiful.
Looked like a great day to hang out and support your community. My favourite is the ‘Black and White’ girl. I give her props because there’s no way I’d ever ride in a hearse. Too spooky and I think bad luck.
Boomdee, you would have like Black and White girl even better close up. My little friend called to her, “Hi! I like your costume. Hi! Have a good day!” and the B&W girl kept a vacant face and moved stiffly like a zombie and never glanced at us. She kept up a good show.
I agree with you about riding in a hearse. How creepy. I am surprised that the Multnomah County Coroner would drive a hearse in a parade, but it really does fit in with the other weird and silly people in the city of Portland.