RF24

117th Rhododendron Festival

May 16-19, 2024

Florence, Oregon

Published by the Siuslaw News

Rhody festival lineup is three days of fun

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting everyone to the 117th edition of the Florence Rhododendron Festival. The family friendly Oregon institution takes place May 16 to 19, 2024. This year’s theme is “High Tides and Good Vibes.”

“It’ll be another year of ‘good vibes’ as we celebrate our local natural beauty and floral superstars. We invite everyone to come to Florence—Oregon’s Coastal Playground—and enjoy the fun and pageantry of the state’s second-longest running floral festival,” said Chamber president/CEO Bettina Hannigan.

“Rhody Fest,” is the second-oldest flower festival in Oregon, just one year younger than the Portland Rose Festival and the third oldest on the West Coast behind the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California.

“Thousands come from around the world to celebrate with us every year on the third full weekend in May,” added Hannigan.

Hannigan reports that the fes tival, with its carnival, Rhododendron Court, parades, classic car cruise, vendor fair, and flower shows serves as the unofficial kickoff to the summer tourism season—a season that adds $320 million to the local economy and employs about 2700 of the roughly 5000 workers in Florence.

The festival opens the Saturday prior to the third weekend in May (May 11, 2024) with the coronation of Queen Rhododendra, the King of the Coast, and their royal court at the Florence Events Center; followed by Thursday’s opening of the Davis Shows Carnival at the Port of Siuslaw property in Old Town. Saturdays traditionally feature the annual 5K Rhody Run and Walk, the junior parade and kids’ activities, the annual and

the Coast Radio Classic Car Cruise through Old Town. Saturday’s 30th Annual Rhody Classic Car Show ‘n’ Shine is presented this year by the Florence Lions Club and will include all years, makes, and models of American, British, VW, and Porsche vehicles from 9:00 to 3:00 at Siuslaw Middle School, Sunday brings the grand floral parade down Highway 101 and into Historic Old Town beginning at noon.

Throughout the event there will be a vendor’s fair in Old Town (Maple Street), a spectacular rhododendron show and the Florence Regional Arts Alliance arts festival at the Florence Events Center; and live music and other festivities and activities all over town. Three Rivers Casino Resort will run a shuttle to Old Town every 15 to 20 minutes

on May 17 and 18.  Check RhodyDays.net for details and a downloadable brochure with full information, dates, times, and locations.

“Generations of families have enjoyed the annual Florence Rhododendron Festival by attending, enjoying the Davis Shows carnival, exhibiting their rhododendrons, showing off their classic cars and motorcycles, being in the parades, and shopping and dining in Old Town and all around town,” adds Hannigan. “It’s a family tradition, an Oregon institution.”

For more information on the annual Florence Rhododendron Festival, including applications for exhibitor space, parade entries, or to volunteer on the Chamber’s Rhody Fest committee, visit RhodyDays. net or contact event coordinator/director for tourism development Mitzi Hathaway at Events@FlorenceChamber.com or 541-9973128.

2024 Rhododendron Festival Schedule of Events

SATURDAY, MAY 11

RHODY COURT CORONATION

7 p.m. | Tickets required Florence Events Center

STARTING MAY 16

DAVIS SHOW NW CARNIVAL

May 16 to 19 — noon to 11/12 p.m.

Tickets required for rides

All-Day Access Pass available Port of Siuslaw Parking Lot

FRIDAY, MAY 17

RHODY QUILT GUILD SHOW

May 17 & 18 — 10:30 a.m. to 4/5 p.m.

Open to public

Old School Furniture US 101 and 6th St.

MAPLE STREET OLD TOWN VENDOR

FAIR - MAY 17 - 19

1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

And 10 a.m., to 5 p.m.

On Maple St. between Bay and 1st streets

LIVE MUSIC BY “FM DAZE”

8 p.m. to midnight

Blue Bills at Three Rivers Casino 5647 Highway 126

SATURDAY, MAY 18

RHODY FLOWER SHOW AND SALE

Hosted by Siuslaw Chapter American Rhododendron Society

May 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Open to public

Florence Events Center

11TH ANNUAL RHODY DAYS ART FESTIVAL

Hosted by Florence Regional Arts Alliance

May 18 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 19 — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Open to public

Florence Events Center

RHODY RUN 5K OR 10K

May 18 at 9 a.m.

Register online or in person at 7:30 a.m.

Florence Events Center

RHODY DAYS CAR SHOW & SHINE

May 18 - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Open to public

Siuslaw Middle School

Followed by the Show and Shine Cruise on Bay St. at 6 p.m.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 83

RHODY POKER RUN

Registration at 8 - 11 a.m., Bike Run begins at 11 a.m., At Three Rivers Casino

RHODY JUNIOR PARADE

Stage at 11 a.m., parade at noon

Open to public

Begins at Miller Park and goes down Oak Street to Siuslaw High KIWANIS KIDS GAMES

Immediately following Junior Parade

Open to public; kids must be accompanied by an adult Siuslaw High School at the JV Baseball Field

CHICKEN BARBECUE AND PIE/ BAKE SALE

Siuslaw Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society Starts at 11 a.m. at Elks Lodge #1858 1686 12th St.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

RHODY PARADE DAY PUBLIC BREAKFAST

From 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Elks Lodge 1858 1686 12th St.

GRAND FLORAL PARADE

Starts at noon on US101 from 27th St.

To Old Town via Kingwood and Bay St. Tune into KCST 106.9fm at 11:45 a.m. for the full broadcast

Where to park

Finding parking during Rhody Days can be stressful, but with a bit of planning it doesn’t have to be! Below are some parking options you can utilize during Rhody Days so you and your loved ones can spend as much time as possible enjoying the festivities

1150 Bay Street Public Parking: Parking is free and easy, with quick walking access to all of Bay street and the Port parking lot.

Florence Events Center (FEC) Parking Lot: Not many people know that the FEC leaves

its southern parking lot open during Rhody Days. From the parking lot it is only a few short blocks to Bay Street, and no time limits or fees to park.

On Street Parking on Bay Street: If you’re just heading to Bay Street to visit one of its wonderful shops and restaurants consider On Street Parking as an option. While some portions of the street may be blocked off for Rhody Days activities, you might get lucky and snag a spot close to your destination!

2024 Rhododendron Festival Court

ADELAIDE LAKE

1. Why did you decide to apply to be on the Rhody Court?

I decided to apply for Rhody Court because I heard about how the program was a great opportunity for community involvement, scholarships, and personal development. Additionally, I love the Rhododendron festival and have been coming to the carnival and flower show since before I lived here in town. I also wanted to make my senior year that much more memorable and figured being a part of Rhody history would sure do the trick.

2. What has been your favorite part of Rhody Court?

My favorite part of Rhody Court has been getting to meet so many people in the community! Since I’m new to Florence, I’ve greatly appreciated the opportunity Rhody Court has given me to make friends and become familiar with new faces! I also just have so much fun with my fellow court members (shoutout my Prince Billie). I’ve truly enjoyed each aspect of this experience and I’m so grateful for the memories I’ve made.

3. What do you like to do when you are not a Prince or Princess? Hobbies or Interests?

I love spending time with my five younger siblings! I’m trying to soak it all up before heading to college. I also love singing, playing the violin, and piano. I recently just finished performing as Katherine Plumber in CROW’s musical “Newsies”. If I’m not at school, rehearsal, or teaching swim lessons at the pool, you will probably find me curled up in bed with a good book.

4. Who is your role model?

My role model is my mom. She gave birth to six kids, is going back to school, somehow balances working with spending time with each of us kids, and never misses an event (and between the six of us there are a lot). My mom has shown me the importance

of flexibility, pursuing your passions, and never hesitating to show love and kindness to everyone. I hope I can grow up to be half the woman she is. Thank you for your unconditional love and support. I love you, my mom!!

5. What are your plans after High School? After high school, I plan on attending Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. I’ve currently selected my major as Nursing with the hopes of becoming a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. I also know I will continue to pursue music throughout my life and plan on auditing for every choir, acapella, or performing arts group possible.

CATE WAGGONER

1. Why did you decide to apply to be on the Rhody Court?

I decided to be on the Rhody Court because I love my community and the people that are a part of it. The Rhody Court was an opportunity to give back to community I love. I was also very excited to be on the court with my twin, Cort.

2. What has been your favorite part of Rhody Court?

My favorite part of Rhody Court has been the many opportunities in our community. It has been very special to support local businesses, clubs, and individuals. My favorite activity was our state capitol visit as a court, where we got introduced on the house floor.

3. What do you like to do when you are not a Prince or Princess? Hobbies or Interests?

When I am not a princess, I enjoy many activities. I am a two sport athlete - volleyball and softball, which require time and hard work. I also enjoy being outside in the sunshine, listening to music, and any time spent with family and friends. I have grown the love of planning events as well.

4. Who is your role model?

My mom, without doubt is my role model. She has exemplified the characteristics of a faithful and Godly women. My mom is the strongest, hardest working and kind person I know. I am so thankful to call her mom.

5. What are your plans after High School?

After high school, I will attend Oregon State University in Corvallis. I plan on pursuing my Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences. After that I plan on completing an accelerated nursing program, with the hopes of becoming a nurse practitioner.

JAIME TAYLOR

1. Why did you decide to apply to be on the Rhody Court?

I decided to apply to be on the Rhody Court because of the opportunities it gives you. The friendships you make, the people you meet, and most importantly, my growth as a person, friend and family member. As well as knowing that my siblings will see their big sister in the paper and hopefully get inspired by it, just like I did back in 2014. What has been your favorite part of Rhody Court?

My favorite part of Rhody Court would be creating a strong bond with my Jr. Princess Khloe and my Prince, Hunter. I love making memories with them. A memorable time is when we went bowling in Reedsport. Hunter kicked our butts and spent too much money on claw machines, but that’s okay because seeing her smile that big was the best part and all that really mattered that day.

2. What do you like to do when you are not a Prince or Princess? Hobbies or Interests?

When I’m not doing any Rhody events, I love to write poetry, write novels, sing in my school choir Soundwave, and work part-time at Papa Murphy’s. I also love to do nails, but my favorite thing to do on them is art.

Especially portraits, and they take me 9-10 hours to do but it brings me joy. I love to read as well, my favorite author is Colleen Hoover and my two favorite books, because I couldn’t choose between the two, are November 9th and Heart Bones.

3. Who is your role model?

My mother is my role model for so many reasons. She has always been there for me, guiding me through life’s ups and downs with love and support. Her strength and resilience inspire me to never give up, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. She leads by example, showing me the importance of hard work, determination, and compassion. Her selflessness and unconditional love make me strive to be a better person every day. I am grateful for her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering belief in me. She is not only my mother, but also my mentor, my best friend, and my greatest source of inspiration.

4. What are your plans after High School?

After high school, I plan on attending North West College of Beauty in Springfield to pursue a license in nail technology and esthetics. Alongside my beauty education, I also plan to take some business classes online. These courses will provide me with the knowledge and skills to fulfill my dream of owning my own nail salon someday.

MADISON CARNAHAN

1. Why did you decide to apply to be on the Rhody Court?

I applied for the experience and the amazing opportunities.

2. What has been your favorite part of Rhody Court?

My favorite memory so far was the makeup night with the Senior and Jr. princesses

3. What do you like to do when you are not a Prince or Princess? Hobbies or Interests?

I love to paint and make fun stuff in our schools pottery class. At home, I love to be with my family and play with my dogs.

4. Who is your role model?

My grandmother.

5. What are your plans after High School?

I plan to attend LCC for my nursing associates and then OHSU in Portland for my bachelors.

ROSA MENDEZ

1. Why did you decide to apply to be on the Rhody Court?

When I was little I loved dressing up and pretending to be a princess. The Rhody Court has really let me express that which I am so grateful for. I also love that it’s a scholarship, it has really contributed for me to go to college.

2. What has been your favorite part of Rhody Court?

So far my favorite part has been all our group outings and hanging out with Prince Cort and Princess Delia. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the senior court and my princess a lot more.

3. What do you like to do when you are not a Prince or Princess? Hobbies or Interests? When I’m not a princess I love participating in lots of sports, mostly wrestling, softball, and cheerleading. Recently I’ve also been getting into ceramics.

4. Who is your role model?

My mother has been my biggest role model throughout my life. She raised me and my brother Dakota as a single mother for almost 13 years. Even though I didn’t have the newest toys, she always kept me fed and gave tons of love.

5. What are your plans after High School? I plan to go to the University of Hawaii and Manoa where I will study cardiovascular sonography or business, and agriculture. Either way, I hope to help people in whatever career I choose.

Princess Adelaide Lake

Princess Madison Carnahan

Princess Cate Waggoner

Princess Jaime Taylor

Princess Rosa Mendez

2024 Rhododendron Festival Court

BILLIE MASSEY

1. Why did you decide to apply to be on the Rhody Court?

I have always made an effort to put myself in situations in which I can grow. Many aspects of Rhody Court would be pushing me outside of my comfort zone. I knew that if I was a part of Rhody Court then I would grow in so many areas as a person. Then, if I was able to participate in something that gives back to my community, that would make the experience 100 times more fulfilling and productive.

2. What has been your favorite part of Rhody Court?

My favorite part of Rhody Court has been the relationships that I’ve built and the relationships that have been strengthened. I have met so many great people through Rhody Court. Along every step of the way, the amazing people working with us make Rhody Court a blast.

3. What do you like to do when you are not a Prince or Princess? Hobbies or Interests?

I love to play the trumpet. At our high school, I play in both the symphonic and jazz bands. I spend lots of my time playing sports as well, both football and baseball. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and spending time with friends and family.

4. Who is your role model?

My role model is most definitely my dad. He has taught me everything that I know about perseverance and determination. He is the most loving and caring father that anyone could ask for. I look up to him every day for guidance on how to live my own life.

5. What are your plans after High School?

I will be attending Oregon State University (OSU) to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics. Additionally, I will be pursuing a managerial economics degree path at OSU to best prepare myself for a career in financial advising

BRAYDEN LINTON

1. Why did you decide to apply to be on the Rhody Court?

Work on my small talk and speech skills.

2. What has been your favorite part of Rhody Court?

I enjoyed the trip to Salem.

3. What do you like to do when you are not a Prince or Princess? Hobbies or Interests?

Running and work on my go-karts.

4. Who is your role model?

Jesus, my parents, Chris Johnson

5. What are your plans after High School? Year religious mission in Asuncion Paraguay. Then go to BYU Provo for a degree in engineering.

LANDON SEVERY

1. Why did you decide to apply to be on the Rhody Court?

I had a lot to gain from the people you meet, nothing to lose.

1. What has been your favorite part of Rhody Court?

The picture day with all the prince and princesses.

2. What do you like to do when you are not a Prince or Princess? Hobbies or Interests?

Work on my car, video games, riding jet-skis.

3. Who is your role model?

My dad, he is the reason I am the way I am.

4. What are your plans after High School?

Go to Western Oregon University for Computer Science.

CORT WAGGONER

1. Why did you decide to apply to be on the Rhody Court?

The city and the community of Florence has done so much for me throughout my years growing up here. I feel that with this opportunity, I can both give back to this community and represent it as a product of

a town generous and supportive no matter what.

2. What has been your favorite part of Rhody Court?

Definitely the bonds I have built with my fellow court members. I have grown up with most of them, but having this opportunity we have grown closer and gotten to create some awesome memories with them.

3. What do you like to do when you are not a Prince or Princess? Hobbies or Interests?

Outside of being a Rhody Prince, I love to hunt, fish, life and play football. I also love to sing and play the guitar and write music, a passion I’ve had since I was a child.

4. Who is your role model?

My dad is my role model because of the type of man he is in all aspects. Although he is hard-working, motivated, and stronger than any other man I know, he is loving, caring and supportive of all I do and has shown me the type of Godly man I hope to be.

5. What are your plans after High School?

After high school I am planning to attend Linfield University where I will obtain a Political Science degree with an emphasis on international relations. I am also committed to play football there as well!

HUNTER PIMLOTT

1. Why did you decide to apply to be on the Rhody Court?

I decided to apply to be on the Rhody Court because I wanted to grow as a person and the Rhody Court was an opportunity for me to do so.

2. What has been your favorite part of Rhody Court?

My favorite part of Rhody Court has been hanging out with people from school whom I wouldn’t normally hang out with.

3. What do you like to do when you are not a Prince or Princess? Hobbies or Interests?

I enjoy woodworking, working on my truck, or going to work at Florence Motorsports.

4. Who is your role model?

My grandfather, Craig Pimlott. He is a kind, caring man who stands up for what he believes in and deals in logical reasoning.

5. What are your plans after High School?

I am attending Oregon Institute of Technology in the fall, where I hope to dual major in mechanical and electrical engineering.

ELIZABETH MAE HARVEY

1. What was the best thing you have done while on Rhody court?

Ice skating.

2. What do you like to do when you are not a princess? Hobbies or interests?

Playing with friends, riding my bike, coloring, gymnastics, watching movies and rock hunting.

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Help run my cousin’s coffee shop.

AISLYNN HEADY

1. What was the best thing you have done while on Rhody court?

Ice skating was my first time and was so much fun

2. What do you like to do when you are not a princess? Hobbies or interests?

I love reading or doing something artistic. I really enjoy drawing dresses.

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a fashion designer.

DELIA QUINN

1. What was the best thing you have done while on Rhody court?

Ice skating, because it was really fun.

2. What do you like to do when you are not a princess? Hobbies or interests?

Playing sports like gymnastics, baseball, basketball and cheer.

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

An Engineer

KHLOE SMOLDT

1. What was the best thing you have done while on Rhody court?

My favorite part of being a Rhody Princess has been getting my hair done and spending time with the other princesses.

2. What do you like to do when you are not a princess? Hobbies or interests?

I love participating in sports, talent shows and gymnastics. Basketball is my favorite sport.

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a nurse when I grow up.

PRESLEE WILKINS

1. What was the best thing you have done while on Rhody court?

The best things I have done while on the Rhody court were going to the Sea Lion Caves, ice skating, my first tea party and spending time with Princess Madison and Prince Landon. I especially liked swimming with Princess Madison.

2. What do you like to do when you are not a princess? Hobbies or interests?

When I am not a princess, I enjoy drawing and anything with arts and crafts. I love doing sports. I participate in baseball, basketball and cheerleading. Most of all, I love being with my family and friends, and going camping.

3. What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up, I want to become a veterinarian and barrel racer.

Prince

Billie Massey

Prince Cort Waggoner

Prince Braydon Linton

Prince Hunter Pimlott

Prince Landon Severy

2024 Rhododendron Festival Court

Jr. Princess Aislynn Heady

Jr. Princess Delia Quinn

Jr. Princess Elizabeth Mae Harvey

Jr. Princess Khloe Allen Smoldt

Jr. Princess Preslee Wilkins

Rhody Days Show & Shine

In a display that promises to take you back to the days of your youth and “cruising the drag,” Rods ‘N’ Rhodies Inc. presents the Rhody Days Show & Shine on Saturday, May 18. It takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Siuslaw Middle School, 2525 Oak St.

You can look but don’t touch many restored and custom classics, customs, hot rods, rat rods, muscle cars, trucks, 4wd, Jeeps and British cars on display, it is free admission to the public. At 6 p.m., cars will take it to the streets, on Bay

Street, that is, for the Show & Shine cruise at 6 p.m.

Florence Siuslaw Lions Club presents the 30th Annual Rhododendron Festival Car Show ’N Shine Music Provided by Russ Strohmeyer, Food Services, Exhibits, Vendors and more!

To support Florence Siuslaw Lions Club

Charitable Services and High School Scholarships Saturday May 18th, 2024 - Siuslaw Middle School 2525 Oak St., Florence OR 97439 - 9am3pm - Awards at 2:30pm

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FRAA Rhody Days Art Festival

May 18 • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. May 19 • 11

11th annual Rhody Days Arts Festival is here!

Come help us celebrate! It’s been 11 years since the “Art Fest” signs went up around the Florence Events Center for the Rhody Days Arts Festival in 2011, not counting a two-year time out for COVID.

It has grown, with FRAA (Florence Regional Arts Alliance) gaining more new artists as well as revisiting old friends.

You can find the latest designs in wood art, scroll saw wood art, fractal wood burned items, glass work in jewelry, plates, coasters and more. Look for paintings in oil and watercolor, as well. You may also find quilting for your table and walls and linens for your kitchen, doll clothes, wreaths, baskets and more.

Unique works of art and fine craftsmanship can be found at this year’s event, held Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Florence Events Center. Admission is free.

Rhododendron Flower Show and Sale

The City of Rhododendrons shows its stuff! Flowers are in abundance all over town and not only are we are anxious to share them, but we’re proud to be a part of the annual Rhododendron Festival.

Rhodies are very resilient and should be at their best for the festival. The show is open to everyone at no cost and we encourage the community to bring their beautiful trusses to the Florence Events Center between 7 and 9 a.m. Saturday, May 17.

A few basic guidelines to follow: select a truss with the straightest stem and the most completely open flowers but not past their prime. A full collar of leaves with minimal damage is as important as the flowers themselves.

Entries and any ribbons may be retrieved no sooner than 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Only the person who delivers the entry will be allowed to remove it without previous arrangements. All entries remaining at 5 p.m. will be removed by the show break-down

committee.

The show is a great place to imagine what flowers would look like in your garden! The Siuslaw Chapter also has an outdoor plant sale during both shows. Many selections of Rhododendrons and Azaleas are available for a reasonable price. You can usually get access to the plant sale around 10 a.m. on

Enjoy the fun of Rhody Days!

both Saturday morning and Sunday Morning. (Cash, check, or credit card.)

This is your chance to win a blue ribbon or even a great trophy.

There will also be a plant sale during the show. This is your opportunity to find that special Rhody you’ve been looking for to add to your collection.

Rhody Run - 5K Run/Walk

Join Habitat For Humanity for the 45th Rhody Run 2024! This year, due to road construction, the event is a 5K route only, but that won’t dampen anyone’s spirits!

Arrive early May 18th, 2024, at the Florence Events Center. In-person registration starts at 8 a.m., race at 9 a.m. Whether you run, walk, skip, or hop, join us for fit-

ness, fun, and community spirit. Proceeds support Florence Habitat for Humanity. Register now at florencehabitat.org

Don’t miss out on this cherished tradition of the Florence Rhododendron Festival.

See you at the starting line! #RhodyRun2024 #FlorenceStrong

Celebrating over 30Years

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Rhododendron Quilt Guild (RQG) is pleased to announce a quilt show and sale happening Friday May 17th  through Sunday May 19th at Old School Furniture in Florence.

This exciting event will feature a stunning display of beautiful and intricate quilts, handmade by local artisans. Visitors to this year›s quilt show and sale can expect to see a variety of quilt styles including traditional, modern and contemporary designs. The quilts on display will feature a range of colors, patterns and techniques, showcasing the diverse talent of the local quilting community.

In addition to the quilt show visitors will have the opportunity to purchase quilts as well as other handmade items including table runners, wall hangings, tote bags, and more. There will be fabrics, patterns, and quilting supplies sold,

making this event a one-stop shop for all quilting enthusiasts.

The Rhododendron Quilt Guild is proud to host this event and celebrate the talents of the local quilting community. All are invited to come and admire the beautiful quilts on display, meet the talented artisans, and perhaps take home a unique and handmade item to cherish for years to come.

Admission to the Quilt Show and Sale is free and all are welcome to attend. The event will take place at Old School Furniture, located at 1550 6th Street on Highway 101. According to Sandy Davidson of RQG, local Quilters not associated with RQG have also been invited this year and will feature quilts from the community. For more information please text Davidson at 541-9910837 or visitrhodyquilt.com

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Renowned Sandboarding Pioneer named Rhododendron Festival Grand Marshal

Grand Marshal for the 117th annual Florence Rhododendron Festival Grand Floral parade is Lon Beale, known internationally as Dr. Dune for his pioneering work in the sport of sandboarding.

As founder of both Sand Master Park and Dune Riders International, he will lead the parade and serve as an ambassador for Florence.

Beale, and his wife Robin, have been Florence residents for about 24 years since opening the world’s first sandboarding park in 2000. Sand Master Park has hosted everything from beginners’ lessons to world championships to televised competitions for many years.

Beale and his crew have represented Florence and Sand Master Park in nearly a dozen different countries around the world. Several world champions have come out of Florence and are often around the park to give lessons.

Venomous Sandboards, along with Monarch Sandboards, are the two brands Beale and his crew produce in Florence. Asked how sandboarding started from his perspective, Beale said it was only a matter of time.

“Almost all board sports do well, and it was no big mystery that sooner or later somebody would be sliding on sand too. Surfing is a billion dollar industry, skateboarding is a billion dollar industry, snowboarding came a little bit later and now it’s a billion dollar industry, so I grew up in the Mojave Desert, and we were sliding on the dunes as Boy Scouts,” he said. “We would go out to Death Valley and camp and try different things. It’s just natural that on the big dunes you want to roll down or slide down it, so we tried cardboard and plastic and different things. None of it really worked well, but it was still fun. It just progressed more and more and a little later down the road, I was working in the surf industry and was seeing how board sports were just going and I wondered why nobody was doing sandboarding.” He said that while attending trade shows for surfing in San Diego and Las Vegas, he looked around and realized no one else was doing sandboarding.

“So I came to the conclusion it would have to be me,” he said. “If it was going to happen, someone had to do it.”

MAKING IT WORK

He spoke of how the initial designs came from modifying water skis. He said that others were trying different things like skateboards without wheels and surfboards without fins, so he started designing boards specifically for sand. Beale said It changed the whole sport to design boards specifically for sand, by saying sand’s properties are more liquid-like than clumpy snow.

His shop features over 100 bottles of sand from locations he has sand boarded around the world, but Beale said the Oregon Dunes have some of the best sandboarding sand in the country. He explained that ocean sand is rounded

Lon Beal, this year’s Rhododendron Days Grand Marshall, standing in his shop with two sandboards produced by his company.

and the seasonal rain keeps it clean, whereas desert sand is more angular and creates greater friction.

“So now we have boards that maneuver well, they’re inexpensive and lightweight, and when you fall it’s like landing on a mattress,” he said, “but on some of the big dunes, these guys are hitting 60 miles per hour. On the big dunes, that’s too fast, that’s highway speed.”

He said the internet blew the concept out of the water, and introduced it to many people who would not have found out otherwise.

THE REWARDS

Asked about the most rewarding part of this endeavor, Beale said that was easy to answer.

“The joy it brings our customers,” he said, noting that sometimes his business sees 300 to 400 people a day. His employees prep them all to go out in the sand dunes through coaching and instruction. “But then they come back and say,’ that’s the most fun we’ve ever had’ or’ this is the best vacation we’ve ever had.’ They say, ‘man, that was awesome’ and they’re showing us their pictures and videos… When you hear that day in and day out, you feel really good about it. I’d say that that’s the most satisfying part of it.”

He said that while advancing the sport and technologies is motivating, the best part is hearing how much fun people have learning and taking part in sand boarding.

Asked how people first respond when they meet him and find out what he does, Beale said most people hear that he’s going to other co countries to develop a sand-

boarding program, they are a bit perplexed.

“I don’t think they really believe what we’re doing because they’re not familiar with it, and then other people have seen it on YouTube or whatever and they’re a little more savvy. maybe they’re a snowboarder or a surfer, but for people who haven’t, it takes some convincing.”

A PLEASANT SURPRISE

Asked if anything has been surprising about it all, he said it was how quickly sandboarding took off. As an example, he noted that While doing demos all over the western United States, he didn’t know Oregon had dunes. He said that while exploring the area he came to Honeyman Beach and his guys loved it. He explained that most large dunes have an open face where you simply slide from top to bottom. The Oregon Dunes, however, featured trees and bushes and obstacles that made it more like a slalom course.

“It’s a whole different game,” he said, “and a lot more fun than riding a big open dune.” He said he was later approached by some locals who owned 40 acres of dunes who asked him what they should do with it.

“ I said we’d like to build a sandboard park,” he said. “It would be the first one in the world. They said’ ‘ cheers,’ opened the door and told us we could do whatever we want.”

“We’ve been here 24 years,” he said. “When we first came up here, we had about seven boards in the trunk of the car… We put up a little sandwich board that said sandboard rentals, $10.” He said that within the first 15 minutes, they were all rented because people had heard about it or read it in the paper. He said that he built 20 more boards and the result was the same, they were gone by noon.

“So now we’ve got over 100 boards, and often, by noon, they’re gone,” he said. “To see it grow like that, to see it just explode, we never looked back. it was pretty obvious people wanted to do this.”

When it came to being chosen as Grand Marshal, Beale said it came to him as a surprise. “He said he was notified by someone who told him sandboarding had made the City of Florence famous.

“It didn’t cross my mind at the time when he said Sand Master Park is the biggest attraction in the city,” Beale said, noting that Sea Lion Caves, the casino and other area attractions are outside the city limits. “He said, ‘you put Florence on the map.’”

Beale said he was hesitant but accepted after talking with his family.

“We love the community, everyone’s been really supportive,” he said. “From start to finish, it’s been a blessing. We feel really good about what we’re doing.”