For many years now we have wanted to attend one of the Portland Rose Festival events. And this year we finally did. We were invited to attend the Starlight Parade by our friend Sam. She did the hard part by arriving very early to stake out a prime location, so all we had to do is take the Metro (mass transit) into the city. Jasmine was looking forward to the train ride all day.

We arrived downtown to hoards of festive people and kids running around with glowstick necklaces, waving lightsabers and tossing frisbees.  First up was the Starlight Run, which was a combination of serious athletes and comedic costuming including Wonder Woman, togas, cranyons, Pacman, and much more. Jasmine got into the action by extending her hand out to offer moral boasting high-fives to any runner needing some 5 year old good luck. As the sun went down the parade started with marching bands, entertainers, and various floats all of which were lighted up.

It was a great time and Jasmine had the extra bonus of staying up past her bedtime!