Clark County entries shine at Grand Floral Parade

The Battle Ground community float won the Royal Rosarian Award for best craftsmanship and workmanship Saturday at the Portland Rose Festival’s Grand Floral Parade.

Sandy Helyer, president of Battle Ground Rose Float Board of Directors, said it was “very exciting” for the float to take the award.

“It’s the third-highest award we could possibly win,” Helyer said. “This was all a humongous community effort. There were at least 100 volunteers who helped out. And the parade was wonderful. There were a lot of people there on a beautiful day.”

Rich Jarvis, public relations manager of the parade, gave high praise to the Battle Ground contingent that arrived for the event.

“The Battle Ground court came out on the parade route last night,” Jarvis said. “They were walking around greeting people and we ran into them out there and we were absolutely tickled by that. I just think that’s really cool they did that. They are great ambassadors and we are very proud of our association with Battle Ground.”

Evergreen High School won the Band Sweepstakes Award as the best band in the parade, and its Flag and Dance Team also won a Caption Award for band support.

Battle Ground High School’s band won first place among out-of-state bands of 99 members or less, while Columbia River High School won third.

The Clark County Fair Court won an Equestrian Award as best Rodeo or Fair Queen.

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