The City of Medford is gearing up to host the 72nd Pear Blossom Festival from Friday to Saturday, offering a diverse lineup of activities. This iconic Rogue Valley event will feature a vibrant parade, street fair, pageants, and various tournaments, with the non-profit organization Dogs for Better Lives serving as this year's Grand Marshal under the theme "Pear of Paws."
The highly anticipated parade will kick off at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. It will start at the intersection of Beatty Street and Central Avenue, proceed down Central Avenue, turn right onto West Main Street, and conclude at Mistletoe Street. The parade has grown significantly over the years, attracting thousands of spectators and participants, turning the streets into a festive celebration of Medford's community spirit.
The Street Fair, another major component of the festival, will run from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. The event will take over downtown Medford, offering a variety of stalls featuring local artisans, food vendors, and entrepreneurs showcasing their crafts, goods, and food offerings.
From its humble beginnings in 1954 with just 20 participants, the Pear Blossom Festival has expanded into a grand event featuring over 150 entrants and 4,000 participants. The festival’s popularity has grown to draw between 25,000 and 30,000 attendees annually, making it a true community celebration.
For those attending, street closures have been planned to accommodate the event, and detailed information is available through the City of Medford’s website for convenience. The public is encouraged to check the website for the full list of closures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during the festival.
