The First Rhododendron Festival
This article was in the 1949 issue of the Siuslaw Pioneer Booklet, from the Siuslaw Historical Museum in Old Town Florence.
The mission of the Rhododendron Court program is to provide scholarships for higher education, to promote community outreach, volunteerism and to foster personal development. Wednesday, May 20, 1908, was Florence’s most memorable day. It was the day of its first Rhododendron Festival and Queen Rhododendra, Laura Johnson, was crowned by Joaquin Miller, poet of the Sierras, who as her prime minister
05/30/2026
It's almost here!! Join us for the annual Coastal Fitness Spring show on Tuesday, June 2nd or Wednesday, June 3rd! Come support all the tumblers who have been working so hard throughout the year. Tickets can be purchased at the Florence Events Center website or at their door. Hurry, because tickets sell out quickly!!
05/22/2026
Siuslaw High School Scholarship Night. Congratulations to all these amazing young adults.
05/21/2026
HUGE SHOUT OUT to our incredible judges for the Rhody Coronation!
Thank you for giving your time, energy, and wisdom to make this night unforgettable. We’re so grateful for everything you did for our amazing candidates.
You rocked it! 💐🙌
Marilyn Clint, CEO of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation
Rob Chance, Deputy Fire Chief, Western Lane Fire & EMS, and RN with Lower Umpqua Hospital
Rachelle Krause-Campbell, Retired Siuslaw Educator
Tim Brackney, CEO of Springline Advisory
Michele Diffenderfer, Philanthropy Project Coordinator
Special thank you too to our Judge Coordinator, Beth Rudometkin.
05/17/2026
Thank you Laurel Bay Gardens! They delivered our plants to us and picked them up today after the parade. Amazing. We are grateful.
05/17/2026
Check out Rhododendron Festival - Florence, OR info at RhodyDays.net!
Excited to see you all during the parade!!!
05/17/2026
The court had such a great day yesterday. 😃
Almost time for the parade!! Parade starts at noon, see you all out there.
05/17/2026
Here’s some pictures from today’s kiddie parade with the Junior and Senior Court.🌺
05/17/2026
Some more amazing pictures from yesterday.🌺
05/15/2026
The Rhody court is making some amazing Rhody Days memories.🌺
05/12/2026
The 2026 Rhododendron Coronation was a magical night. Here are some highlights from that evening. 🌺
Thank you Becky Holbrook for capturing these amazing lifetime moments.