Rogue Valley Pear Blossom Festival History, 25th Anniversary -- 1978
"Representatives of several Medford civic groups (including the Fruit Growers League, Chamber of Commerce, Merchants Association, American Legion and the School District) met in 1954 (sic) to initiatie an event during spring blossom season -- they decided to have a children's parade. A little girl was chosen Miss Blossom to lead the first parade of 30 floats. Since then the Pear Blossom Festival has grown to involve over 40 organizations and a wide range of activities -- the Lions Sport Fair, Veterans Hobby Show, Square Dance Jamboree, Orchid SHow, and the Southern Oregon Philatelic Society's stamp show. By 1956 there were 100 floats, and a 30 mile tour of the valley's blossoming fruit trees was sponsored. Since 1957 children chosen as king and Queen reign over the festival. 1964 was the first time motorized floats were allowed in the parade, which now includes bands, costumed marchers, equestrians, and all types of floats. Through the efforts of the philatelic society, the Medford Post Office received permission in 1965 to begin using a special slogan cancel during the festival season. This was also the first year the stamp club sponsored Pear Blossom Festival cachet covers. Now the club's SOPEX includes a mini U.S.P.S. show station and a two-day pictorial show cancel too. Pear Blossom Festival parade marshals have included Oregon Governor Robert Homes (1957), John F. Kennedy (1960), and Frank Shorter - who led over 650 participarnts in the festival's fist annual mini-marathon in 1977. For the 25th anniversary this year Eric Scott from "The Waltons" will lead the parade. The theme is "25 Years of Pear-ades."
-- complete text from the vintage original print on 8 1/2 x 11" inserts in some covers.
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