Portland's Rose Festival Court will no longer crown princesses at individual high schools, ending a tradition that dates to 1930.
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation announced Oct. 29 that it is replacing the school-based selection model with a district-based system for 2027, as The Oregonian reported.
Instead of 15 princesses tied to specific schools, six court members will represent geographic districts across the Portland area.
The Foundation will manage the selection process directly, evaluating candidates on leadership, experiences, community involvement and their connection to the Rose Festival.
That's a big change for a program woven into Portland high school life for 96 years.
Who can apply
Candidates must be female-identifying high school juniors or seniors on track to graduate.
They must live in Multnomah, Clackamas or Washington counties, maintain at least a 2.75 GPA and complete 20 hours of community service. A candidate's home address will determine which of the six court positions she is eligible for.
Foundation officials said the restructuring aims to expand opportunities and increase accessibility for students beyond those who attended participating schools, according to The Oregonian's report.
Bigger scholarships, fewer seats
The Randall Group, a longtime program partner, is increasing its scholarship commitment from $5,000 to $7,000 per court member.
The Randall Group will also take on the role of Presenting Sponsor of the Rose Festival Court.
How to apply
Applications for the 2027 Rose Festival Court open Dec. 2. Court announcements will take place the week of March 15. Details on eligibility, district boundaries and the application process are available at rosefestival.org.
Breanna Jackson, the court program chair, and foundation board member Marlo Eckert appeared on KATU's AM Northwest on Oct. 28 alongside reigning 2026 Rose Festival Queen Anika Rigby to preview the changes.
The Rose Festival, an Oregon Heritage Tradition since 1907, opens May 28 with the Rose Festival Parade set for June 12.
