Bank of the West Sets New Pace for Portland's Party Parade

PORTLAND, Ore., March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Portland Rose Festival is proud to announce that Bank of the West has joined as the title sponsor of the Grand Floral Walk – one of the Rose Festival's newest family fun events. The Bank of the West Grand Floral Walk immediately precedes the Grand Floral Parade and begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8.

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"We're pleased to support a Portland tradition that has become known in the region as one of the premier summer attractions in the city," said Cal Tabata, Bank of the West regional manager for the Northwest. "We're deeply committed to our community in the Northwest and look forward to joining our customers, colleagues, friends and neighbors, in what promises to be a highlight of the day's events."

The Bank of the West Grand Floral Walk is Portland's Party Parade for families and individuals who want to experience the fun and excitement of dressing up and walking along the 4.2 mile Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade route through downtown Portland. An estimated half million parade enthusiasts are expected to line the route.

Walk participants are known as the "grand marshals" of their own experience and are encouraged to come in costume and self-decorations that are limited only by imagination and, of course, good taste. The Grand Floral Walk was added to the Portland Rose Festival in 2008 and draws approximately 2000 participants.

"We are thrilled that Bank of the West has joined as one of our premier sponsors supporting the Grand Floral Walk," said Portland Rose Festival Foundation President Todd Johnston. "The Walk is an opportunity for our larger community to be engaged and enjoy a fantastic personal experience."

Participants in the Bank of the West Grand Floral walk can opt to walk two or four miles. Prizes will be awarded for best costume in several categories including individual, group and decorated strollers. For more information on contest rules and to register to walk, visit GrandFloralWalk.org.

About Bank of the West:

Founded in 1874, $63 billion-asset Bank of the West (www.bankofthewest.com), Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender, offers a full range of personal, commercial, wealth management and international banking services. The bank operates more than 700 retail and commercial banking locations in 19 Western and Midwestern states. Bank of the West is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, which has a presence in 80 countries with nearly 200,000 employees.

About the Portland Rose Festival:

The Portland Rose Festival Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit dedicated to serving families and individuals with programs and events that promote the arts, education, and volunteerism. The Foundation values environmental responsibility, diversity, patriotism, and our historic and floral heritage. For the latest on Rose Festival events go to RoseFestival.org.

SOURCE Bank of the West