Spectacular all-floral floats bring fantasy to life for a half million parade fans along Oregon's largest single-day spectator event, the Grand floral Parade.

Along with the colorful floats, Saturday morning's parade featured the country's largest permanent marching band, beautifully decorated equestrian teams and culturally rich performances.

 VIDEO: Rose Festival events, KGW reports

 More: VIEW SLIDESHOW

There were a few problems that caused concern, but no one was injured. Part of the Fred Meyer float somehow caught fire and everyone leaped off it. But the small fire was quickly doused. Another float with a giant tiger jumping through a flaming hoop also had a fiery problem; the flames were supposed to stay on the hoop, but they spread to the tiger. And the yellow submarine float veered into a crowd of people; one person was bumped, but unhurt.

Catherine Tomlinson

The Fred Meyer float caught fire but fire crews quickly resolved the issue.

The 4.3 mile route began at the Memorial Coliseum in Northeast Portland, moved along MLK Jr. Boulevard, crossed the river on Burnside, and then went through downtown before wrapping up near PGE Park and Lincoln High School in Southwest Portland.

  Check Grand Floral Parade route

More coverage: Special Rose Festival Guide

The event was broadcast live on Northwest Newschannel 8 and Northwest Cable News on Saturday, June 9, starting at 10 a.m. and it will be re-broadcast Sunday, June 10 at 7 p.m.

 Also: City questions tradition of 'reserving' parade spots with sidewalk tape

Three outstanding Portland residents representing youth, courage and wisdom were chosen to serve as the 2007 Centennial Grand Floral Parade Grand Marshals. They were eight-year-old Rose Quinn of St. Clare School in SW Portland, Lisa Snider, wife of a wounded police officer, and Paul Knauls, Sr., known as the Mayor of Northeast Portland.

More: Read Brenda Braxton's rose blog