Posted 9:24 am Friday, October 14, 2011
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Organizers Make Final Touches As Festival Rose Festival Opens
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By COSHANDRA DILLARD
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Against a backdrop of fragrant rose bushes and an intricately adorned English medieval castle, Texas Rose Festival organizers Thursday officially kicked off this year's events at the Tyler Rose Garden Center.
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Flanked by Rose Festival officials, Duchess Virginia Winston Anderson, escorts and her nine attendants, Queen Morgan Elizabeth Rippy cut the ceremonial ribbon. It was all about the rose and it was on display, courtesy of David Austin Roses, who is internationally known for his floral design and shows.
With the help of rose arrangers, volunteers transformed the garden center into a magical landscape, representing "A Grand Illusion," this year's theme.
Texas Rose Festival president Tom Ramey and vice president of the Rose Show committee Randall Grooms capitalized on Tyler's "coveted brand."
"For 78 years, we as a community have come together at challenging times and during good times to celebrate what is unique about Tyler, Texas," Ramey said.
Throughout the opening event, organizers explained the importance of community service and the change of course in which the festival has undergone.
An emphasis has been placed on revving up the parade and attracting the entire community to all festival events.
"If any year you were going to a parade, this is the year," Ramey said. "You're going to want to check this thing out."
He added, "We desire that everyone in Tyler, from every corner and every segment of the community to find at least one activity to join us in the celebration."
Miss Rippy hopes her imprint on the evolving community event is one that represents service, not glitz.
"I want everyone to know it's not about the dresses," Miss Rippy said following the ceremony. "I want them to understand the true meaning of the Rose Festival."
Leading into the ceremony's prayer service, Ramey encouraged the audience to pray for Tyler and to become involved in the community.
Texas Rose Festival events will continue through Saturday. The coronation will be held at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday at the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center on the campus of The University of Texas at Tyler. Tickets range from $15 to $65. The Rose Parade begins at 9 a.m., west of Glenwood Boulevard and Front Street, continuing to the Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. Admission is $3 at the stadium, but free along the parade route.
The queen's tea is 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden. The palette of Roses Art Show runs until 5 p.m. Saturday at the East Texas Fairgrounds Mayfair Building. Admission is free.
