The 2026 Royal Rosarian Milk Carton Boat Race
at Westmoreland Park goes down in the history book
It happened on Sunday, June 28th
7700 SE 23nd Avenue (next to McLoughlin Blvd, north of Tacoma St)
a Royal Rosarian Foundation, Portland Parks and Recreation
and Rose Festival Foundation community event
41 boats carrying 163 racers in 10 different races (many heats)
raced across the pond on a pleasant day with NO RAIN.
Everyone who showed up and raced their boats across the pond
is a winner in our book.
See you next year on June 27, 2027
These are the 64 Rosarian members, with 1973 racer Lyle Gold and some Park volunteers,
who put on the event along with the support of many community organizations.
Thank you to all the family and friends
who supported the racing teams and
the spectators who came to cheer them on, including this future racer!
It was a glorious, happy day in Portland. If you weren't there, why not join us next year?
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at: milkcartonboatrace@royalrosarianfoundation.org
or call Connie Shipley, 2026 co-chair, at 503-830-1028.
The MILK CARTON BOAT RACE started in 1973 to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Rose Festival. This was to be an event run entirely by the Junior Court, with entries only from children. Even before the Junior Court ended, some rules were changed, and adults became more involved. In 1984, a float competition was created, and many amazing boat floats were created.
The Dairy Council of Oregon was the presenting sponsor of this event from 1973 to 2014. The Rose Festival Foundation turned to the Royal Rosarians to put on the Milk Carton Boat Race in 2016. Under the leadership of Dame Pat Maberry, the event once again came to life and, except for the COVID years, continues to be a favorite summer event for many in the community.
Information on our 2026 Major Sponsors:
Portland Parks and Recreation: https://www.portland.gov/parks
Alpenrose: https://alpenrose.com/
SMILE Neighborhood Association: SMILE
Sellwood Community House:
2026 Portland Rose Festival: www.rosefestival.org
Learn how you or your organization can help support the Milk Carton Boat Race
by contacting Connie Shipley (503-830-1028)
The Royal Rosarian Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization