18 May 2015
Florence Rocked and Rhodied for the 108th Festival
Things were a little damp Saturday morning, but by the end of the day, the skies and the pavement had dried out and a large crowd was on the street enjoy the 108th annual Rhododendron Festival.
80 entries graced the Grand Floral Parade yesterday.
J. Johnson Tree Service won the Grand Marshal’s Award with their “high climbing” tree trimmer. The Mayor’s Award went to McKenzie View Acres and their tribute to local police. The Queen’s Award went to her own ride… the Rhody Courts float built and sponsored by Banner Bank. The King’s Award went to the entry from Three Rivers Casino and Resort with the live music of Marty Adams and friends.
The City of Florence won the service entries category, the Best Band was from Siuslaw and the Elks Lodge entry featuring the line dancers was the best non-commercial category. The Lane County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, led by Sheriff Byron Trapp, won the best equestrian group.
Flower show results
For the 45th year, members of the Siuslaw Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society held their late spring show. The Sweepstakes award went to Larry Jensen. J. and P. Wilson won the award for the best native or “Macrophyllum” entry. Jack Hacket won the Best in Show of the Lepidote (lepp-ih-DOTE), or spotted-leaf, variety. The E-Lepidote, or non-spotted, variety best in show went to Jack Olson.
Nearly 800 different entries of Rhododendrons and Azaleas were on display Saturday afternoon and Sunday at the Florence events center.
One highlight: the artwork provided by students at Siuslaw Primary and Elementary school depicting the namesake flower of the weekend’s festivities.
Show and Shine
Cars are always a big part of the Rhody Festival… Several hundred entries in the 18th annual BeachKomber Club Show and Shine were on display at Grocery Outlet Center. The Best in Show award went to Carol Palmer and her 1952 Chevy Bel Air. The Best Car was a ’56 Chevy Nomad owned by Jim and Mary Wilson. Brian Nelson’s 1964 Chevy Suburban won the best truck.
Classic Car Cruise
100 cars and trucks cruised through old town in the 18th annual KCST Classic Car Cruise Saturday evening. The Best in Cruise award was presented to Rosie and Greg Hill of Florence and their 1963 Ford Country Squire wagon. Russ Kroenert’s 1935 black Dodge won the Best Truck and Fred Calosso’s 1964 Amphi-Car won the best stock restored class.
Air boat runs aground, injures one
One new addition to the festival this year: on a Florida Everglades style airboat. Airboats Northwest Tours of Albany was in town over the weekend. Unfamiliarity with the lower Siuslaw River estuary and a low tide may have led to one scary incident Saturday evening when the boat, traveling up the North Fork of the Siuslaw River grounded on a mud flat. The sudden stop injured one passenger who had to be removed from the boat by firefighters and paramedics and onto a waiting rescue boat.
The person was transported to Peace Harbor Medical Center with back pains.
Captain Scott Clifford with Airboats Northwest was not available for comment.
