How do you measure a 50-year career at the Portland Rose Festival? In princesses? In parades? In awards from the International Festivals & Events Association?

CEO Marilyn Clint counts it in corndogs.

“I’m a great corndog lover,” she says. “I start on opening day and usually get one, or even two or three in that day, and go from there.”

The morning of April 2 marked Clint’s 50th anniversary of working at the Rose Festival, starting as a seasonal secretary and working her way up to the top slot. Colleagues decorated her office with tinsel and a gold “congratulations” banner. A life-size cardboard cutout of Clint at the Grand Floral Parade in the ’90s, walkie-talkie and corn dog in hand, stood in the corner.

The Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade, happening this Saturday, June 7, is but on

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