Posted 1:45 pm Sunday, October 04, 2009
Send to Kindle
Festival Committee Members’ Efforts Are Realized After A Year Of Planning
By MAEGAN McGOWEN
Staff Writer
Imagine dazzling dresses taking you across the globe and close to home, all in one, gorgeous display.
Staff Writer
Imagine dazzling dresses taking you across the globe and close to home, all in one, gorgeous display.
“Celebrations and Grandeur,” the theme of the 2009 Texas Rose Festival, will be brought to life Friday at the 2 p.m. matinee performance and 7:30 p.m. evening Queen’s Coronation performance at the R. Don Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center, 3900 University Boulevard.
“The coronation is basically going to be a walk through of various celebrations, including those close to home and those far away,” Cathy Bertram, coronation co-chair, said. “The stage will be a burst of flowers set in a garden full of trellises, budding with shades of pink roses and green wreathes all designed by Winn Morton.”
The gowns, also designed by Winn Morton, will steal the show this year, she said.
“All the ladies-in-waiting and duchesses have dresses that are so exceptional,” she said. “Winn seems to reinvent himself every year, and we’re always pretty amazed by what he comes up with.”
The Duchess of the Rose Growers will represent the “Crown of Gold Rose,” which is the name of an actual rose, she said.
“We wanted her to have a rose name to honor the industry that promotes Tyler and the Texas Rose Festival,” she said.
Ladies-in-waiting represent celebrations close to home — the celebrations that warm our hearts, make us smile and are all things we love and cherish, she said, with everything from the “Kentucky Derby” to “Christmas Day.”
The duchess characterizations each represent different festivals around the world and their costumes depict the culture of the countries and the festivals they are portraying.
“All the attendants’ costumes complement the queen’s dress, and they have a general crown theme to symbolize royalty and grandeur,” Ms. Bertram said.
The theme of the coronation came from the committee members’ love of travel, new places and celebrations.
“We just decided it would be a good theme to use, and using all these different countries would make for really beautiful, extraordinary costumes,” she said.
The process of planning the coronation took a lot of work, she said, but it was never difficult.
“We haven’t really found a challenging part, and my co-chair Sarah Bryan and I’ve had so much fun,” she said. “We’ve loved it so much we don’t want it to be over. It’s just been a positive thing for both of us, and I can’t think of anything bad — the people that we work with have all been very talented and patient with us, and all the girls have been really nice.”
Even though planning has been fun, the co-chairs are excited for the event to happen, she said.
“To see our ideas come to life will be so exciting,” she said. “We’ve seen sketches of the dresses and we’ve seen the actual dresses up close, and that’s what I get most excited about — seeing our thoughts going onto Winn’s paper and being created.”
With tons of practice put in, from summer to now, she said, the girls are also ready to reveal their gowns.
“A couple of the girls had such complicated steps that they’ve been practicing them since this summer,” she said. “They’re not out there that long, but everyone has to remember that the dresses are heavy. It’s not as easy as it looks!”
The performance itself seems to transcend all the nitty-gritty planning, she explained, and it becomes like a fairy tale.
“It’s so beautiful that it’s almost imaginary,” she said. “And the dresses are such works of art, and everyone just works so hard — it’s fun to see how it all evolves.”
More than anything, Ms. Bryan and Ms. Bertram wanted to thank everyone involved with making the coronation happen.
“Sarah and I feel like the most important thing for us to mention is that it takes the work of everybody, and there are so many talented people who work on it. It’s not just us, it’s many, many people that make it happen, people backstage, the orchestra, the announcer – everyone.”
In addition to the beautiful dresses and intricate footwork, Edwin Holt, world renowned blues entertainer, will perform at both Coronation performances as well as the TJC Apache Bells.
In his 16th year, Fernanado “Vicho” Vicencio and the Moondance Orchestra will orchestrate a variety of up-beat music and traditional favorites.
Tickets may be purchased through our Web site, www.texasrosefestival.com or at the Cowan Center Box Office 903-566-7424.
Ticket prices may be found on our website and range from $60 to $20, depending on the performance and seat chosen.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The Texas Rose Festival would like to recognize the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in the coronation, as well the following sponsors for their spirit of generosity in support of the 76th Texas Rose Festival.
Coronation Committee: Vice President of the Coronation Chris Simons, Coronation co-chairmen Sarah Bryan and Cathy Bertram, Royalty co-chairmen in charge of ladies-in-waiting and duchesses Tracey Bedgood and Connie Greenberg, Escort co-chairmen Deidre Hull and Karen Reynolds, Parents’ co-chairmen Beth Guinn and Susan Smith, Wardrobe co-chairmen Jaclyn Sherrell and Ginger Young, Attendant Chairman Leigh Clyde, script writer Ginger Haberle, Escort Wranglers Waterson Calhoun, Craig Carnes, Brad Curtis, William Shelton, Rex Thompson and Jon Sherrell, Transportation co-chairmen George Ann Reed and Joan LeSauvage, House Manager Ronny Schoenbrun, Assistant House Manager Hudson White, Usher Chairman Stuart Saul, queen’s dressers, Margo Adams and Kelly Lansford, foyer décor, Jennifer Watkins (lead), Leigh Ann Bugg, Carissa Fisher and Leslie Watson.
Production Committee: Costume and set design, Winn Morton; coronation director, Lucinda Kittrell, coronation choreographer, Lynn Ramey, executive director Apache Belles, Ruth Flynn, assistant director and choreographer, Christy Evans; program design, Jana Autry; narrator, Barry Hanson; orchestra director, Vicho Vincencio; music coordinators, Holly Marsh and Randy Key; technical director, Randy Bonifay; lighting, Wayne Lambert; stage manager, Barbara Gabriel, assistant stage manager, Carol Langston; backstage coordinators, Susan Bracken, Ann Fitzgerald, Jennifer Goates-Neal, Karen Hand, Blythe McCain and Deborah Smith.
Wardrobe Committee: Wardrobe properties, Jennifer Dean (lead), Tiffany Daughtry, Kendall Barclay and Lyndy Frost; costume coordinators, Jayme Fitzpatrick (lead), Susan Hill, Amy Brown and Maggie Wright; accessories coordinator, Suzie Thames (lead), Lynette Maynard, Vickie Cooper, Lori Morrison, Michelle Dial and Cici Shelton; makeup and hairdresser coordinators, Shelley Calhoun (lead), Allison Thompson, Ginger Saunders, Callie Northcutt, Gaye Schoenbrun and Becky Tillson; order of appearance, Meri-Margaret Messer (lead), Elizabeth Lisso, Leigh Ann Bugg and Heather Pickett; chaperones, Kelly Michaels (lead), Jill Hossley, Renna Embry, Courtney Lewis and Erica Hallmark; hospitality, Jennifer Holt (lead), Stacie Jordan, Jennifer Stroupe and Paige Thomas; graphics/doorkeepers, Lynda Evans (lead graphics), Angie Russell (lead doorkeeper), Elizabeth Boone, Cassandra Bramlett and Kate Iglesias.
Parade Liaisons: Andrea Riley (lead), Leigh Clyde and Melissa Barrett; Executive Committee of the Texas Rose Festival Association: President Brad Brookshire, Vice President Coronation Chris Simons, Vice President Rose Show Tom Ramey, Vice President Men’s Luncheon/Distinguished Guests and Morning Prayer Service Tim Alexander, Treasurer Randy Grooms, Strutters President Reid Martin and Executive Director Julie Kidwell Ischy.
SPONSORS
Corporate sponsors for the 2009 Texas Rose Festival are KYTX - CBS 19; Tyler Morning Telegraph; East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System; Samsung; City Of Tyler, AT&T; Austin Bank; Bank of America; Brookshire’s; Citizens 1st Bank; Classic Toyota, Delk Photography, Inc.; Dillard’s, Inc. “The Style of your life”; Flowers Baking Co. of Tyler, LLC; Giglio Distributing; KLTV, Channel 7; Lamar Advertising; Oncor; Order of the Rose; RPR Construction Company, Inc.; Ramsey Fritz Jewels; Royal Interests / Jack and Debra King; Betty Jo Riter / Melinda and Tom Shoemake / Cynthia and Whit Riter; Southside Bank; Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics; Nancy Bracken Walden / Bracken Resources, O.L.C.; Willis Interests / Sherilyn and Patrick Willis; Laura and Michael Young, Cavender’s Boot City; Coca-Cola; Dermatology Associates of Tyler; Findlay Craft, LLP; First Bank and Trust of East Texas; Flowers ~ Davis, PLLC; Fox 51; Henry and Peters, P.C.; Hilton Garden Inn; Horizon Transportation; The Jalapeno Tree Mexican Restaurant; KETK - TV; Martin • Walker, P.C.; Marilyn and Lanier Richey; Texas Bank and Trust; Texas Filter Service, Inc., Texas State Bank, Tyler Packing Company; U.S. Ag, Inc., American State Bank; Kitchen’s Unique; The Park of East Texas; Potter Minton; Reynolds and Kay.
The gowns, also designed by Winn Morton, will steal the show this year, she said.
“All the ladies-in-waiting and duchesses have dresses that are so exceptional,” she said. “Winn seems to reinvent himself every year, and we’re always pretty amazed by what he comes up with.”
The Duchess of the Rose Growers will represent the “Crown of Gold Rose,” which is the name of an actual rose, she said.
“We wanted her to have a rose name to honor the industry that promotes Tyler and the Texas Rose Festival,” she said.
Ladies-in-waiting represent celebrations close to home — the celebrations that warm our hearts, make us smile and are all things we love and cherish, she said, with everything from the “Kentucky Derby” to “Christmas Day.”
The duchess characterizations each represent different festivals around the world and their costumes depict the culture of the countries and the festivals they are portraying.
“All the attendants’ costumes complement the queen’s dress, and they have a general crown theme to symbolize royalty and grandeur,” Ms. Bertram said.
The theme of the coronation came from the committee members’ love of travel, new places and celebrations.
“We just decided it would be a good theme to use, and using all these different countries would make for really beautiful, extraordinary costumes,” she said.
The process of planning the coronation took a lot of work, she said, but it was never difficult.
“We haven’t really found a challenging part, and my co-chair Sarah Bryan and I’ve had so much fun,” she said. “We’ve loved it so much we don’t want it to be over. It’s just been a positive thing for both of us, and I can’t think of anything bad — the people that we work with have all been very talented and patient with us, and all the girls have been really nice.”
Even though planning has been fun, the co-chairs are excited for the event to happen, she said.
“To see our ideas come to life will be so exciting,” she said. “We’ve seen sketches of the dresses and we’ve seen the actual dresses up close, and that’s what I get most excited about — seeing our thoughts going onto Winn’s paper and being created.”
With tons of practice put in, from summer to now, she said, the girls are also ready to reveal their gowns.
“A couple of the girls had such complicated steps that they’ve been practicing them since this summer,” she said. “They’re not out there that long, but everyone has to remember that the dresses are heavy. It’s not as easy as it looks!”
The performance itself seems to transcend all the nitty-gritty planning, she explained, and it becomes like a fairy tale.
“It’s so beautiful that it’s almost imaginary,” she said. “And the dresses are such works of art, and everyone just works so hard — it’s fun to see how it all evolves.”
More than anything, Ms. Bryan and Ms. Bertram wanted to thank everyone involved with making the coronation happen.
“Sarah and I feel like the most important thing for us to mention is that it takes the work of everybody, and there are so many talented people who work on it. It’s not just us, it’s many, many people that make it happen, people backstage, the orchestra, the announcer – everyone.”
In addition to the beautiful dresses and intricate footwork, Edwin Holt, world renowned blues entertainer, will perform at both Coronation performances as well as the TJC Apache Bells.
In his 16th year, Fernanado “Vicho” Vicencio and the Moondance Orchestra will orchestrate a variety of up-beat music and traditional favorites.
Tickets may be purchased through our Web site, www.texasrosefestival.com or at the Cowan Center Box Office 903-566-7424.
Ticket prices may be found on our website and range from $60 to $20, depending on the performance and seat chosen.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The Texas Rose Festival would like to recognize the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in the coronation, as well the following sponsors for their spirit of generosity in support of the 76th Texas Rose Festival.
Coronation Committee: Vice President of the Coronation Chris Simons, Coronation co-chairmen Sarah Bryan and Cathy Bertram, Royalty co-chairmen in charge of ladies-in-waiting and duchesses Tracey Bedgood and Connie Greenberg, Escort co-chairmen Deidre Hull and Karen Reynolds, Parents’ co-chairmen Beth Guinn and Susan Smith, Wardrobe co-chairmen Jaclyn Sherrell and Ginger Young, Attendant Chairman Leigh Clyde, script writer Ginger Haberle, Escort Wranglers Waterson Calhoun, Craig Carnes, Brad Curtis, William Shelton, Rex Thompson and Jon Sherrell, Transportation co-chairmen George Ann Reed and Joan LeSauvage, House Manager Ronny Schoenbrun, Assistant House Manager Hudson White, Usher Chairman Stuart Saul, queen’s dressers, Margo Adams and Kelly Lansford, foyer décor, Jennifer Watkins (lead), Leigh Ann Bugg, Carissa Fisher and Leslie Watson.
Production Committee: Costume and set design, Winn Morton; coronation director, Lucinda Kittrell, coronation choreographer, Lynn Ramey, executive director Apache Belles, Ruth Flynn, assistant director and choreographer, Christy Evans; program design, Jana Autry; narrator, Barry Hanson; orchestra director, Vicho Vincencio; music coordinators, Holly Marsh and Randy Key; technical director, Randy Bonifay; lighting, Wayne Lambert; stage manager, Barbara Gabriel, assistant stage manager, Carol Langston; backstage coordinators, Susan Bracken, Ann Fitzgerald, Jennifer Goates-Neal, Karen Hand, Blythe McCain and Deborah Smith.
Wardrobe Committee: Wardrobe properties, Jennifer Dean (lead), Tiffany Daughtry, Kendall Barclay and Lyndy Frost; costume coordinators, Jayme Fitzpatrick (lead), Susan Hill, Amy Brown and Maggie Wright; accessories coordinator, Suzie Thames (lead), Lynette Maynard, Vickie Cooper, Lori Morrison, Michelle Dial and Cici Shelton; makeup and hairdresser coordinators, Shelley Calhoun (lead), Allison Thompson, Ginger Saunders, Callie Northcutt, Gaye Schoenbrun and Becky Tillson; order of appearance, Meri-Margaret Messer (lead), Elizabeth Lisso, Leigh Ann Bugg and Heather Pickett; chaperones, Kelly Michaels (lead), Jill Hossley, Renna Embry, Courtney Lewis and Erica Hallmark; hospitality, Jennifer Holt (lead), Stacie Jordan, Jennifer Stroupe and Paige Thomas; graphics/doorkeepers, Lynda Evans (lead graphics), Angie Russell (lead doorkeeper), Elizabeth Boone, Cassandra Bramlett and Kate Iglesias.
Parade Liaisons: Andrea Riley (lead), Leigh Clyde and Melissa Barrett; Executive Committee of the Texas Rose Festival Association: President Brad Brookshire, Vice President Coronation Chris Simons, Vice President Rose Show Tom Ramey, Vice President Men’s Luncheon/Distinguished Guests and Morning Prayer Service Tim Alexander, Treasurer Randy Grooms, Strutters President Reid Martin and Executive Director Julie Kidwell Ischy.
SPONSORS
Corporate sponsors for the 2009 Texas Rose Festival are KYTX - CBS 19; Tyler Morning Telegraph; East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System; Samsung; City Of Tyler, AT&T; Austin Bank; Bank of America; Brookshire’s; Citizens 1st Bank; Classic Toyota, Delk Photography, Inc.; Dillard’s, Inc. “The Style of your life”; Flowers Baking Co. of Tyler, LLC; Giglio Distributing; KLTV, Channel 7; Lamar Advertising; Oncor; Order of the Rose; RPR Construction Company, Inc.; Ramsey Fritz Jewels; Royal Interests / Jack and Debra King; Betty Jo Riter / Melinda and Tom Shoemake / Cynthia and Whit Riter; Southside Bank; Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics; Nancy Bracken Walden / Bracken Resources, O.L.C.; Willis Interests / Sherilyn and Patrick Willis; Laura and Michael Young, Cavender’s Boot City; Coca-Cola; Dermatology Associates of Tyler; Findlay Craft, LLP; First Bank and Trust of East Texas; Flowers ~ Davis, PLLC; Fox 51; Henry and Peters, P.C.; Hilton Garden Inn; Horizon Transportation; The Jalapeno Tree Mexican Restaurant; KETK - TV; Martin • Walker, P.C.; Marilyn and Lanier Richey; Texas Bank and Trust; Texas Filter Service, Inc., Texas State Bank, Tyler Packing Company; U.S. Ag, Inc., American State Bank; Kitchen’s Unique; The Park of East Texas; Potter Minton; Reynolds and Kay.
