Starlight Parade Announces Grand Marshal - Rex Oregonus

PORTLAND Ore. Bill Schonely, on-air ambassador for the Portland Trail Blazers and recently named Portland First Citizen by the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors has been selected Rex Oregonus, King of the Festival and will ride "Lickety brindle up the middle" as Grand Marshal of the 2009 Portland General Electric/SOLV Starlight Parade, this Saturday, May 30 at 8:30 p.m.

"The Rose Festival is pleased to honor Bill Schonely with this kingly title," says Todd Johnston, Parade Chairman and Portland Rose Festival Foundation Vice-President. "The Schonz is truly one of Portland's living icons and it is a great honor for us to have him as Rex."

Known as "The Schonz," Schonely served as the voice of the Blazers from their beginnings in 1970 until 1998. Bill is heavily involved in charitable activities with organizations such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Providence Child Center Foundation, and has received numerous awards for his community service.

“It’s an honor to be a part of this festival,” Schonely said. “It’s always a fun-filled event, I hope all the folks come out and let’s make it a Rip City night!”

The tradition of Rex Oregonus dates back to the early years of the Portland Rose Festival, when a king (instead of a queen) reigned over the festival. The king - usually a prominent citizen of the community - kept his identity secret until he was unmasked at a Grand Ball. In 2007, the Festival revived the tradition of Rex Oregonus as part of their Centennial Celebration.

Our contemporary Rex Oregonus combines the pageantry of tradition with the revelry of Starlight Parade weekend! In 2009, Rex Oregonus will reign over the PGE/SOLV Starlight Parade as Grand Marshal, adding a little Mardi Gras flavor to this sparkling evening event. The Starlight Parade draws approximately 350,000 spectators each year and is broadcast live in high definition to local and regional viewers on KGW NewsChannel 8 beginning at 9 p.m.