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Pear Blossom Festival is officially a 'Tradition' Friday Nov 18, 2016 at 11:34 AM Nov 18, 2016 at 11:34 AM Medford's Pear Blossom Festival, an all-volunteer community event entering its 64th year, has been designated as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Heritage Commission. Other Oregon Heritage Traditions include the Oregon State Fair, Pendleton Round-Up, Klamath Basin Potato Festival, and Portland Greek Festival. "The designation recognizes those traditions that have helped define the state," said Eric Martin, the commission's chair. "This event truly celebrates what is local heritage in Oregon." The Pear Blossom Festival started in 1954 when the Medford Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations decided to hold a children's parade in celebration of the agricultural bounty of Southern Oregon. Marking each spring when pear trees come into bloom, the event has grown over the years to include food and wine tastings, pageants, a street fair, golf tournament, 10-mile footrace, bike race, and one of Oregon's largest parades. Tens of thousands of Southern Oregon locals take part in the three-week-long festivities held in the heart of downtown Medford. As the city's oldest tradition, the Pear Blossom Festival celebrates the rich agricultural roots of its community and the state. "The festival board of directors is very honored to receive this distinguished award," said Pear Blossom Association President Darcey Mann-Self. "We would like to thank the city of Medford, our generous sponsors, and our volunteers for keeping Medford's oldest tradition alive, since 1954!" An Oregon Heritage Tradition must have been in continuous operation for more than 50 years, demonstrate a public profile and reputation that distinguishes it from more routine events, and add to the livability and identity of the state. A list of Tradition designations is available at www.oregon.gov/oprd/HCD/OHC/pages/oht.aspx. The Oregon Heritage Commission coordinates efforts to solve statewide heritage issues through grants, education and advocacy, and also promotes heritage tourism efforts.