44th Gresham Teddy Bear Parade Returns on September 26

Mark your calendars: Saturday, September 26, at 10 a.m., downtown Gresham will once again come alive with a sea of stuffed bears, marching bands, cheerleaders and a whole lot of local pride. It’s the 44th edition of the Gresham Teddy Bear Parade, a quirky, feel‑good tradition that’s become a centerpiece of the community calendar.

The parade kicks off from the East Hill Church parking lot, then weaves its way down Miller, turns up Second, rolls down Main, and finally loops back to the church via Hood and Fifth. In short, it’s a short but sweet tour of the heart of downtown, and the streets fill with families, kids, and curious onlookers of every age.

“People get so excited because the day just feels special,” says Kayla Viramontes, president of the Gresham Soroptimists and parade coordinator. “Everyone I meet has a story—whether they’re marching with a teddy, cheering on a kid, or just watching from the sidewalk. It’s a universal moment for Gresham.”

This year the parade expects close to 80 entries and nearly 2,000 participants, ranging from school children and youth athletes to firefighters, police officers, mini‑horses, and even dancing dogs. Colorful floats, martial‑arts demonstrations, bubbles and balloons all add to the festive chaos.

But the parade isn’t just about fun and fluff. Since the Soroptimists took over the reins 40 years ago, the event has grown into the organization’s largest fundraiser, directly supporting the annual Live Your Dream Awards. Those awards hand out cash grants to local women who have battled poverty, domestic violence, or other hardships and are now pursuing education at Mt. Hood Community College or other schools.

“Live Your Dream is so hard to get through without crying,” Viramontes admits, voice cracking a little. “Seeing someone rise from their lowest point to chase a better future—that’s powerful, it’s moving, and it fuels everything we do.” The award ceremony itself takes place in February, but the money that makes it possible starts flowing the moment the teddy bears finish their march.

Speaking of bears, they don’t just disappear after the parade. The smaller ones are donated to the Trauma Intervention Program NW for children facing tough moments, while the larger plush companions travel to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital to cheer up young patients fighting illness. Other bears find homes with nonprofits like SnowCap Community Services.

Behind the scenes, about 50 volunteers give up their Saturday morning to keep things running smoothly—setting up barricades, directing traffic, and making sure everyone stays safe. “We’ve never run out of people willing to step up,” says Viramontes, smiling. “Our volunteers are the backbone of this whole thing.”

One logistical note for anyone planning to drive through downtown: the parade route will close to traffic two hours earlier than usual. Barricades go up at 7 a.m., and any cars parked in the downtown streets will need to be moved before then, or risk being towed.

All in all, the 44th Gresham Teddy Bear Parade promises a day of laughter, community connection, and a little bit of magic—plus the satisfaction of knowing your ticket to the fun also helps local women turn their dreams into reality.