The Medford Pear Blossom Festival is an annual spring parade and festival in Medford, Oregon. It is held in April to mark the time when pear trees that are a traditional part of the town's economy come into blossom. It was founded in 1954.
The event includes seasonal activities such as promotion of local agriculture, a running race, cycling events along the Rogue River and a pageant.
In 1967, Leonard Nimoy was invited to act as grand marshal and provided the parade with the only known appearance of Nimoy as Spock of Star Trek fame in public.
There was no festival in 2020 on grounds of COVID-19 pandemic.
References
- Aldous, Vickie. "Medford's Pear Blossom Festival offers something for everyone". Mail-Tribune. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
- "Around the O: UO goes to Pear Blossom Festival and Parade in Medford". University of Oregon. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
- Kevin Keating (2011). Medford. Arcadia Publishing. p. 96. ISBN 978-0-7385-7445-5.
- Sarah Pagliasotti (5 July 2011). Fun with the Family Oregon: Hundreds of Ideas for Day Trips with the Kids. Globe Pequot Press. p. 161. ISBN 978-0-7627-6924-7.
- Judy Jewell; W. C. McRae (15 July 2014). Moon Spotlight Ashland & Southern Oregon. Avalon Travel Publishing. p. 46. ISBN 978-1-61238-847-2.
- Aldous, Vickie. "2015 Pear Blossom Festival kicks off in Medford". Mail-Tribune. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
- "Myra Rademacher of Eagle Point High School named Pear Blossom Queen". Mail-Tribune. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
- Asnicar, Tammy. "At the starting line of health". Mail-Tribune. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
- Turnquist, Kristi (February 11, 2011). "Leonard Nimoy and his only public appearance as Spock -- in Medford". Oregon Live. Retrieved 1 September 2016.