Oregon artists and graphic designers have until Monday, November 16, to submit a logo for Florence’s 120th Rhododendron Festival, an anniversary celebration scheduled to bring four days of parades, carnival rides, flowers and coastal festivities to the city May 13 through 16, 2027.
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting amateur and professional designers to interpret the festival’s newly selected theme, “Rhodies, Rides & Coastal Vibes.” The winning logo designer will receive $250, with submissions required to bring together the flowers, landscape and traditions associated with the coastal gathering.
Caroline Valentine of Springfield submitted the winning theme and will receive a $150 prize. Her selection gives the upcoming celebration a connection beyond Florence, reflecting an event that draws visitors from throughout Oregon and across the country.
“Rhodies” is a local nickname for rhododendrons, the flowering shrubs that thrive in the region and give the festival its name. For designers entering the contest, the flower must be a central part of a concept that also identifies the community hosting the celebration.
Each submission must incorporate a rhododendron, an element representative of the Florence area, the selected theme and the wording “120th Rhododendron Festival 2027, Florence, Oregon.” Possible local elements include the river, bridge, ocean, beaches, lakes, dunes or lighthouse, giving entrants several ways to connect their designs to the coastal setting.
Entry forms and complete contest rules are available at FlorenceChamber.com. Designs must be emailed to info@FlorenceChamber.com by November 16, 2026, using the subject line “2027 Logo Contest.” The selected designer will be notified by email the following week.
Bettina Hannigan, the chamber’s president and CEO, said the chosen theme captures the range of activities that have made the festival a recurring destination for families.
“We were looking for a theme to help us celebrate the fun, flowers, and frolic of this historic event—something that entices people from all around to come celebrate with us,” Hannigan said.
That combination will carry into the anniversary festivities, with events planned around Old Town, the Port of Siuslaw property and the Florence Events Center. The main festival runs Thursday through Sunday, while the royal court celebration takes place the preceding weekend.
The coronation of Queen Rhododendra, the King of the Coast and their royal court is scheduled for Saturday evening, May 8, at the Florence Events Center. The ceremony begins the celebration ahead of the larger gathering the following week.
The Davis Shows Carnival is scheduled to open Thursday, May 13, on Port of Siuslaw property in Old Town. Its waterfront location places the rides near other festival attractions and the neighborhood that hosts several of the weekend’s activities.
Saturday traditionally brings the annual 5K Rhody Run and Walk, the junior parade and children’s activities. Classic vehicles also figure prominently in the festivities through the Rhody Classic Car Show ’n’ Shine and the Coast Radio KCST/KCFM Classic Car Cruise through Old Town. Those activities are part of the festival’s customary Saturday lineup, with individual event times still to be detailed.
The grand floral parade is scheduled for noon Sunday, May 16, traveling along Highway 101 and into Historic Old Town next to the carnival. Flower-covered floats are among the traditions reflected in the theme selected for the anniversary year.
Additional attractions planned during the festival include an Old Town vendor fair, a rhododendron show at the Florence Events Center, live music, art and activities throughout the community. Together, the events offer visitors opportunities to explore the celebration beyond the carnival and parade route.
For those hoping to contribute to the 120th celebration, the immediate deadline arrives well before spring. The logo contest closes Monday, giving Oregon’s amateur and professional designers an opportunity to help define how Florence presents its anniversary festival to the public.