Walker Macy Designs Gorge Theme for 2018 Festival of Flowers
One of Portland's oldest and most renowned downtown community events, this year's
Festival of Flowers will highlight the beauty and fragility of the Columbia Gorge. Comprised of nearly 20,000 flowers, ornamental grasses and Douglas Fir seedlings, this year’s "oFISHially GORGEous" theme will bring elements of the Columbia River Gorge into the city and encourage Pioneer Courthouse Square visitors to become immersed in this unique Oregon landscape.
Designed by noted, local architectural firm
Walker Macy, the floral design aims to raise awareness for conservation of Oregon’s natural landscapes and the responsibility upon us all to protect these natural assets. The single Douglas Fir tree in this year’s design represents the devastation of forest fires and the resiliency of the landscape to regenerate.
The Festival will launch on June 1 and conclude on June 12. Upon completion of the Festival of Flowers installation at the Square, all of the plant material used in the design will be offered for sale to the public at the annual flower sale from June 13–15 in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Throughout the festival there will be a series of free events and performances.
Friends to Partner with Pioneer Courthouse Square on Public Education Efforts
A spectacular river canyon, 85 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, the Columbia Gorge is an icon of the Pacific Northwest and nation treasure. It is home to a world-renowned variety of over 800 species of plants, approximately 44 species of fish, and more than 200 species of birds.
Friends has partnered with Pioneer Courthouse Square to offer joint outreach and public education programming around Gorge conservation to coincide with this year's Festival of Flowers. Planned efforts will include collaborating on joint social media outreach, hosting an informational table and organizing a pair of lunchtime "Tuesday Talks" (June 5 and 12) on Gorge conservation:
June 5: Wildflowers & WA Wonders of the Gorge
Noon-1 p.m.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
June 12: Give Weeds the Boot!
Noon-1 p.m.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
In addition, festival visitors can "Talk with a Ranger": U.S. Forest Service Rangers and
Trailhead Ambassadors will be on-site noon-1 p.m. June 4 through June 8 to promote
Ready, Set, GOrge, provide maps and field questions.
More Information
For additional details and updates on Festival of Flowers—including performances and special events—please visit Pioneer Courthouse Square at:
thesquarepdx.org or
@thesquarepdx
