Texas Rose Festival

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The Texas Rose Festival, a four-day event held annually in Tyler, Texas, celebrates the role of the rose-growing industry in the local economy. The festivities, taking place over a weekend during the peak of the rose season in October, draw thousands of tourists to the city each year.

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[edit] History

The first Tyler Rose Festival was organized by Tyler Garden Club members, local rose growers and the Chamber of Commerce in October 1933; it was renamed the Texas Rose Festival during the Texas Centennial in 1936. Aside from the festival's suspension during World War II, it has been an annual event.

[edit] The Rose Queen and her court

Many of the festival's events center on the Rose Queen and her court, who wear lavish gowns and costumes that are often in keeping with the theme of the year's festival. These participants generally come from wealthy backgrounds and often have long family histories with the festival; many have played various roles in the events since childhood. The queen and most of the court are chosen by a group called the Order of the Rose. The method by which they choose is a mystery to the average Tylerite.

In addition to the Rose Queen, the court includes:

  • The Duchess of the Rose Growers, a member of a rose-growing family selected by and representing the Texas Rose Growers Association
  • Out-of-town duchesses and escorts, sponsored by a family involved in the Rose Festival and invited because of relationships with Tyler residents
  • Train bearers, scepter bearers and attendants to the queen, usually elementary-school-aged children whose families are involved in the festival

[edit] Rose Festival events

Rose Festival events open to the public generally include:

  • A Vespers service, held at the home church of the reigning Rose Queen
  • The Queen's Tea, in which the public is invited to mingle with the Rose Queen and her court at the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden
  • A Men's Luncheon and a Ladies' Luncheon, featuring guest speakers
  • Queen's Coronation ceremonies
  • The Rose Festival Parade, featuring floats, bands and a number of community groups
  • A Rose Show and gardening seminars
  • The Rose Festival Arts and crafts Show at Bergfeld Park

A number of private parties also coincide with the festival, including the Queen's Coronation Ball hosted by the Order of the Rose.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links