The St. Johns Parade will return to the North Portland community on Saturday, May 13, 2023. The Parade committee rewrote and resubmitted the permits several times but is now pleased to announce the permits have finally been approved and the parade is on! Luckily, many residents stepped forward to fulfill the city requirement for 104 volunteers. Volunteers are needed for barricade support in order to keep the staging area free of vehicles because there are fewer police officers available to fill that role. Additional volunteers are always needed and can sign up directly on the organizers’ website at stjohnsparade.org.
The theme of the 58th St. Johns Parade is “It’s Something Special.” The 2023 Grand Marshal is Roosevelt High School in honor of its 100-year Anniversary this year.
The parade is unusual in that it is totally volunteer-run and depends on donations. Anyone who wishes to donate can go to the Parade Committee’s website and just click on the Donate button. They ask that supporters contribute anything they can to help make the parade happen since financial support is needed for expenses. Posts on Facebook and Instagram will also list businesses that have donation cans available.
Specially custom designed parade pins are sold at several St. Johns’ businesses to support the event. Parade entries are free and encouraged. If you or your group are interested in entering the parade, you can fill out a form on the website.
Questions? Email info@stjohnsparade.org.