Florence Rhododendron Fest Offers Further Preview: Adds Oregon Coast Radio Host

Published 03/30/25 at 6:35 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) – Among the largest festivals on the entire coastline, Florence's Rhododendron Festival brings thousands to the little town each May – and it's almost the oldest celebrations in all of Oregon.

Now in its 118th year, it takes place from May 15 to May 18, celebrating the theme "Rhodies on the River." This beloved annual tradition has been enjoyed by generations of families who come together to experience the carnival hosted by Davis Shows, showcase their rhododendrons, display classic cars and motorcycles, participate in parades, and explore the shops and restaurants in Old Town and across the city.

Offering some more previews, this time around the festival has chosen Coast Radio’s KCST morning host Wayne Sharpe as Grand Marshal of the 118th annual Florence Rhododendron Festival Parade, which happens on May 18.

It’s because of his extensive long-time community involvement and generally high profile that Sharpe was picked. Over the years, Sharpe has engaged with the Siuslaw area in numerous ways.

Florence Chamber President Hannigan described the festival as a cherished family tradition and an iconic event in Oregon, encouraging everyone to visit Florence, known as Oregon’s Coastal Playground, and immerse themselves in the excitement and grandeur of the state's second-longest running floral festival.

The festivities begin on May 10, the Saturday preceding the third weekend in May, with the coronation of Queen Rhododendra, the King of the Coast, and their royal court at the Florence Events Center. Thursday marks the opening of the Davis Shows Carnival at the Port of Siuslaw property in Old Town. Saturday brings the annual 5K Rhody Run and Walk, the junior parade with activities for children, the Rhody Classic Car Show ‘n’ Shine, and the Coast Radio Classic Car Cruise through Old Town. The grand floral parade on Sunday starts at noon on Highway 101, beginning at 27th Street and winding through Historic Old Town.

Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy the vendor’s fair in Old Town, admire the rhododendron showcase at the Florence Events Center, and experience live music, art, and other activities and events spread across the city. To learn more about the Florence Rhododendron Festival visit RhodyDays.net.

The only festival older than this Oregon coast staple is the Rose Fest in Portland.

Sharpe himself represents some of the town's recent history.

“When Linda and I got here in ’92, Florence only had around 4500 to 5000 people,” recalled Sharpe. “It’s practically doubled since then. We raised two of our kids here who went through all grades in the Siuslaw School District. We’re proud of that. We’ve seen a lot of changes. The town basically ended where the new fire station is at 26th Street. I worked briefly at Bi-Mart, which was then considered way out of town. We’ve seen the development of the Florence Events Center, the hospital in its current location, the current library, the casino, and lots of businesses that have come and gone. The Rhododendron Festival is much bigger now, and the parade has more out-of-town entries than before.”

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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