Blessing of the 2024 Rose Festival

Blessing of the 2024 Portland Rose Festival 

All are welcome to attend the Blessing of the Rose Festival, the beginning of our festival season.  The Royal Rosarian's organize this elegant event that will be the first public gathering of the Rose Festival Princess Court.

Date and Time:  Saturday, April 13, 2024, Ceremony begins at 12:00pm.
Location:  Saint John Fisher Catholic Church, 4567 SW Nevada St., Portland, OR 97219
Arrival Times: 

• Royal Rosarian Council and selected Duke & Duchesses arrive at 9:45 am for a 10:00am rehearsal.
• Royal Rosarians (Honor Guard) arrive by 10:30am for instructions. 
• VIP's arrive by 11:45am.  

Request:  At least 20 to 30 Rosarians in White uniforms to serve as the Honor Guard. 

Attire: All Royal Rosarians wear White uniforms, hats, gloves, and capes.  New members who do not yet have your White uniform are still needed as volunteers and should attend wearing your Green jacket and black pants.

If you have any questions or wish to volunteer, contact Co-Chairs Duchess Kimberly Bown and Dame Carolyn O'Doherty, or Royal Chaplain Holly Morgan.   

The Blessing of the Rose Festival looks ahead to the coming events of Portland's Rose Festival and includes Pastor Richard Thompson's offering of a message and blessing.  A poignant ceremony will recognize members of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation, the Portland Rose Society, the US Navy League, and the Royal Rosarians who have been lost in the past year.  A formal rose planting ceremony honoring the Saint John Fisher Parish will then be followed by a reception of cookies & beverages.  

The 2024 Royal Court of 15 Princesses representing the high schools of the Metro Area will attend.