44th Gresham Teddy Bear Parade Returns 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, and cheering crowds. It’s the 44th edition of the beloved Gresham Teddy Bear Parade, organized by the local Soroptimist club, and it promises the same whimsical chaos that residents have grown to love.

The parade kicks off from the East Hill Church parking lot, rolls down Miller Street, twists onto Second, sweeps through Main, and finally loops back via Hood and Fifth. It’s a relatively short route, but don’t be surprised if you see the first float heading back to the staging area while the second half of the procession is still waiting in line – that’s how popular it gets.

“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 about marching in or cheering on their kids. Nothing else is as universal in Gresham.”

Expect roughly 80 entries this year, with nearly 2,000 participants ranging from school children and youth athletes to firefighters, police officers, mini‑horses, and even local dogs. The floats are as colorful as ever, and you’ll spot everything from martial‑arts demos to bubble‑blowing stations.

Beyond the spectacle, the parade is a key fundraiser for the Soroptimists’ Live Your Dream Awards. Money raised goes straight to scholarships for local women who have overcome significant hurdles – many of whom are enrolled at Mt. Hood Community College or other regional schools. The awards ceremony takes place in February, and each year the parade’s success translates into record‑high grant amounts.

Viramontes gets a little misty when she talks about the awards: “Live Your Dreams is so hard to get through without crying. We see the impact of poverty, domestic violence, generational trauma… to watch someone at their lowest decide to pursue a better life is powerful.”

All those teddy bears don’t just get a photo op, either. Smaller bears are donated to the Trauma Intervention Program Northwest, where they’re handed to children in crisis. Larger bears find a home at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, brightening the days of kids battling illness. A few go to partners like SnowCap Community Services, ensuring the cuddly companions keep spreading joy.

Running the whole show takes about 50 volunteers, who set up barricades, direct traffic, and keep things safe. “We’ve never had a shortage of people willing to step up,” Viramontes notes. “Our volunteers are vital.”

Speaking of traffic, note that downtown road closures will start earlier this year – barricades go up at 7 a.m., and anyone parked in the area should move their cars beforehand. A few vehicles get towed each year, so it’s best to avoid that hassle.

So whether you’re there to snap photos of a bear in a superhero cape, wave to a marching band, or simply enjoy the community spirit, the 44th Gresham Teddy Bear Parade is shaping up to be a day you won’t forget.