Royal Rosarians

The Royal Rosarians are the "official greeters and ambassadors" of Portland, Oregon. The group was founded in 1912.[1]

Royal Rosarians
Formation1912
Founded atPortland, Oregon
TypeCivic organization
Ambassadors
PurposeCivic engagement
Prime Minister
John Danielson
Queen of Rosaria
Déja Fitzwater
Websitewww.royalrosarians.com

Its members are most visible during the Portland Rose Festival or at events at the International Rose Test Garden, Washington Park, and the Peninsula Park Rose Garden. Additionally, members, along with the elected Queen of Rosaria, travel to various events and festivals throughout the world. The group also welcomes visiting dignitaries at the Portland International Airport and Union Station.[2]

The Rosarian's motto is "For You a Rose in Portland Grows".

History
Royal Rosarians in 1912, just after their founding, in the Seattle Golden Potlatch Parade

In 1911, ten Portland businessmen served as representatives of Portland at Seattle's Golden Potlatch Festival. On the train home, the men decided to create an official group to serve as ambassadors of Portland, and specifically its Rose Festival. Around 100 men initially joined and made their first appearance at the 1912 festival.[3]

The Rosarians are highly based on English royal tradition.

In 1989, the Rosarians inducted their first three female members.

Uniforms

The Rosarians are known for their all-white wool suits and straw hats, which they tip to welcome visitors.

The Prime Minister and other high officials wear a cape in addition to the standard uniform.

Queen and Court

Every year since 1908, a group of up to 15 high school girls from the metro area are chosen in march based on various scholastic and civic achievements. Beginning the first week of May, they travel full-time 5 days a week for 5 weeks, visiting community events, business leaders, hospitals, senior living centers, youth organizations and civic groups. All of the young women receive a $3,500 scholarship (valid at any college or trade school) as well as a complete wardrobe provided by local real estate company the Randall Group.

A panel of judges selects one of these girls to be the Queen of Rosaria based on "leadership and scholarship achievement, school activities, civic involvement, volunteer service, communication skills, and overall impression." The queen serves for one year, travelling with Rosarians to various events throughout the world. The names of each years Queens is engraved into an in-ground bronze plaque along the Queen's Walk in the International Rose Test Garden. A coronation for the queen is held during the Rose Festival at Oregon Square.[4][5][6]

List of Queens

See also

References
  1. Saker, Anne (April 20, 2012). "Royal Rosarians centennial: Marching on as Portland's official greeters". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on November 24, 2017. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
  2. "Royal Rosarians - Official Website".
  3. "Royal Rosarians". www.oregonencyclopedia.org. Retrieved 2023-09-06.
  4. "Queen's Coronation presented by Unitus Community Credit Union". www.rosefestival.org. Retrieved 2023-09-06.
  5. Oregonian/OregonLive, Amy Wang | The (2016-06-06). "Rose Festival queens and princesses, then and now". oregonlive. Retrieved 2023-09-06.
  6. "Past Queens of the Portland Rose Festival". www.rosefestival.org. Retrieved 2023-09-06.


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