A Vegetable Float created by Nikkei agriculturists for the Rose Festival (scaled-down duplicate)

Since 1907, in Portland, Oregon (United States), the Rose Festival has taken place annually from May to June. The main event is the Grand Floral Parade in which colorful floats are exhibited in the streets. In 1920, Japanese agriculturalists in the suburbs of Portland created this float as their entry in the parade. Displayed here is the back portion of the float which is covered with vegetables and fruits produced by these farmers. Two piglets in a cage were placed at the front end of this float. This float won first prize in the B industry category (motor tow). Among the Japanese who migrated to the United States, there were those who ventured into agriculture and animal husbandry in suburban areas. Around 1920, when this float was presented, Japanese migrants were producing much of the food consumed by people living in urban areas. This float represents the indispensable role of the Japanese who settled in the United States and contributed to the industries of agriculture and animal husbandry among other fields.