Posted 11:45 pm Sunday, March 17, 2013
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Talking Tyler: Excerpts from Azalea Belle applications
Staff Reports
The Azalea and Spring Flower Trail is celebrating 54 years of blooms and belles.
The Azalea and Spring Flower Trail is celebrating 54 years of blooms and belles.
The 10-mile driving tour features home gardens filled with colorful azaleas, dogwoods, tulips, wisteria and redbuds and is open through March April 7, this year. The driving tour begins at 500 S. Broadway Ave. (U.S. Highway 69/business route) and East Houston Street.
Visitors will have the chance to meet the Azalea Belles as they serve as official greeters, dressed in antebellum-style fashion.
The Azalea Belles were chosen from Grace Community, King’s Academy, Brook Hill, Whitehouse, Lindale & Brownsboro High Schools, as well as from many of the home-schooling families in the area. Each girl submitted a written application to the Azalea Committee of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, a portion of which asked the question: “What Does Tyler Mean to You?” Below are some quotes from this years Azalea Belles:
Bethany Baber — “Tyler is a very safe and friendly environment in which to grow up. While it is a smaller city, it provides many opportunities. Tyler is beautiful and well-kept, and it’s traditions are very exciting and fun to attend!”
Erin Bell — “I like that Tyler is so close-knit and you see people you know almost everywhere you go. I love the beauty of Tyler. I love that there are places you can serve the Lord and others. Tyler is a wonderful conservative place.”
Bailey Bickerstaff –— “Tyler means opportunity and beauty to me. I moved from a small town in Missouri and was amazed that I was able to swim competitively, attend a Christian school, and see such beauty celebrated through the Rose Festival and Azalea Trail.”
Rachel Booth — “Tyler means roses, Loop 323 and a home-schooled community. Whether I’m in Tyler’s gardens, driving, or with home-schoolers, I feel blessed to have this town. Not many other towns offer these things so beautifully.”
Sheridan Brown — “My sister, Mackenzie, was an Azalea Belle, and I remember watching her greet the visitors who came to Tyler for the Azaleas. I remember thinking that I couldn’t wait to follow in her footsteps. Tyler leaves me memories and gratitude that I will always cherish and want to share with others.”
Kiona Burgess — “Tyler means a home, friends and wonderful memories. Living in Tyler has been fantastic. It has allowed me to make friends I can cherish for a lifetime and the memories Tyler has given me are amazing.”
Anna Cannon — “I have lived most of my life in Tyler and I am thankful for its beauty and the opportunity to live in it.”
Christianna Clay — “Exchanging Virginia Beach city life for rural East Texas life, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have discovered Tyler State Park, amazing weather, and most of all, the friendliest people. I feel like I’m home.”
Ceilie Crawford — “Although Tyler is a city, it has a small town atmosphere. It is a beautiful city with lots of trees and I like the brick streets in the downtown area. Tyler Museum of Art, Caldwell Zoo, Tyler Rose Garden and the Azalea Trails help make Tyler an attractive city.”
Victoria Dickson — “Even though I have been able to travel many places, Tyler has always been my home. Anywhere I am in life, Tyler will hold a very special place in my heart, because no matter where I go, or what I do, Tyler is always waiting for me. “
Morgan DuBose — “Tyler is my home. I was born here. I’m proud to be a native of this city with its roses and azaleas! I love the fact that we have so many beautifully restored homes and buildings. The brick streets, the Square and the Azalea District are all things I am proud to point out to visitors”
Victoria Ellis — “Tyler is a secure, warm and welcoming place. I absolutely believe it is beautiful and has great opportunities to offer.”
Kara Fenton — “I have lived in the Tyler area all my life and have always thought of it as a beautiful and friendly city. I am also thrilled it is the Rose Capital of America, and I have the opportunity to represent it in a positive way.”
Hannah Frazier — “I have lived in Tyler most of my life, so to me it means home. It has been a great town to grow up in and I enjoy living here. I love that Tyler is extremely beautiful, especially during the spring, and that it has a lot to offer all kinds of people.”
Samantha Fritz — “Tyler has a small-town atmosphere, but it offers everything that a larger city has to offer. It offers beautiful azaleas and they’re known state-wide. Tyler is a wonderful place to raise and keep a family. Tyler is home …”
Makenzie Gilley — “I was born in Tyler and have been fortunate enough to live in Tyler my entire life. Tyler is a beautiful town that I am so glad to call home. It not only has the benefits of a big city, but still has the beauty of a small town.”
Bonnie Goodwin — “Tyler has been home to myself and seven other siblings for over 11 years. The beautiful scenery, the wonderful people, and the countless opportunities I have gotten to experience over the years has shaped me into who I am today.”
Jewel Kirkendoll — “Tyler … breathe in. Do you smell that? Azaleas in full bloom, Roses in their finest shade of red. Beyond everything you thought, Tyler, like Noonday’s fresh onions, have layers. Peel each back and you find a new, surprising detail you never knew was there. So breathe in … are those just roses, or do they have a story behind them?”
Virginia Leath — “I like the small town feel, but the big city opportunities. I like the history of Tyler, from the brick streets to the Goodman-LeGrand Museum. I enjoy all the museums and historic opportunities, like Camp Ford, the McClendon House and The Smith County Historical Museum and Archives.”
Sarah Grace Lozano — “A sea of faces, a thousand places could never compare to you. City ingenuity meets small-town community offering a sheltered repose. A trip to the past to forget the last turn of the century woes. Your people fulfill their role each year to bring breath into the past, to remind visitors of your standing history amid blooms that fade so fast.”
Sarah Martinez — “Tyler has become more than just a city to me, it’s my home. I love being surrounded by the friendly, close-knit community we have here in Tyler. Even as a little girl, I’ve always admired the beauty of the Azalea Trail and the Rose Queen’s gorgeous gowns.”
Abigail McCall — “I was adopted from China when I was 1 year old. I have grown up in Tyler my whole life and it is an awesome place. The city has some incredible things to do and has been a great place to grow up. The people are awesome, too, who live here.”
Hanna McDonald — “Tyler is the town I have lived in my whole life and I love the history of roses it has. Roses are my favorite flower and my middle name. I always love going to the Rose Garden, it’s my favorite place. When I was little I remember going on the Azalea Trail and meeting the Belles. It was one of the coolest experiences of my childhood.”
Teresa Miller — “I have many good memories of the Discovery Science Place, Bergfeld Park and the East Texas State Fair. I love having photo shoots with my friends on the Azalea Trail. Not only does Tyler have many fun things to do, but it is also an amazing community to be a part of.”
Abigail Moreno — “Tyler is a beautiful, small city. The Rose Garden is very beautiful and so is the Rose Museum. Plus, I think the Azalea Trail is the most beautiful time of year.”
Anna Orr — “To me, Tyler means home. It’s the only place I’ve lived and it’s where I’ve grown up. It’s a place with beauty and love. A place full of caring, compassionate people. Tyler is home, beautiful and perfect.”
Ashley Orr — “Tyler means home. It is the place I have lived all of my life. The memories I have made here are too many to count. Tyler is very close to my heart, so I would love to be able to represent it and inform visitors of its beauty and meaning.”
Heidi Platt — “Tyler, Texas is the place I was born. Tyler is my home and I am very proud to call it that. I have always been in awe of how beautiful and friendly Tyler is. I love the fact that no matter where I go, I can always see someone I know. Tyler isn’t too small and it isn’t too big, it’s just right!”
Hope Rodriguez — “I love Tyler and love representing Tyler! I love the Azalea Trails and the historic homes Tyler holds. I love living somewhere where people come from all over just to see Tyler’s beautiful Azaleas. It gives me pride in where I live. I want people to know that there’s more to Tyler than beautiful Rose Gardens and Azalea Trails.”
Chelsie Sanders — “Tyler’s a place where I grew up, where I’ve been all my life, where I want my family to grow up.”
Audrey Shastid — “Tyler is a wonderful, healthy environment. You can have the kindness and hospitality of a small town, without being too small. It is also full of Christians and home-schoolers. The people here are so kind and polite.”
Cassie Smith — “Tyler, to me, means family. I’ve grown up in Tyler my whole life and I’ve always felt a sense of warmth coming from the community and the people. It is a welcoming environment where everyone is accepted and loved.”
For four weekends, visitors may obtain trail information at the Visitors Information Center at the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, 315 N. Broadway, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5p.m., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays, with the exception of Easter Sunday, March 31st, when it will be closed.
There will also be information available daily at the Rose Garden Center, between the hours of 8am-5pm weekdays, 9am-5pm Saturdays and 1-5pm on Sundays.
For a complimentary visitors guide or Azalea Trail brochure, call (800) 235-5712 or visit the website at www.VisitTyler.com.
The Azalea Belles were chosen from Grace Community, King’s Academy, Brook Hill, Whitehouse, Lindale & Brownsboro High Schools, as well as from many of the home-schooling families in the area. Each girl submitted a written application to the Azalea Committee of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, a portion of which asked the question: “What Does Tyler Mean to You?” Below are some quotes from this years Azalea Belles:
Bethany Baber — “Tyler is a very safe and friendly environment in which to grow up. While it is a smaller city, it provides many opportunities. Tyler is beautiful and well-kept, and it’s traditions are very exciting and fun to attend!”
Erin Bell — “I like that Tyler is so close-knit and you see people you know almost everywhere you go. I love the beauty of Tyler. I love that there are places you can serve the Lord and others. Tyler is a wonderful conservative place.”
Bailey Bickerstaff –— “Tyler means opportunity and beauty to me. I moved from a small town in Missouri and was amazed that I was able to swim competitively, attend a Christian school, and see such beauty celebrated through the Rose Festival and Azalea Trail.”
Rachel Booth — “Tyler means roses, Loop 323 and a home-schooled community. Whether I’m in Tyler’s gardens, driving, or with home-schoolers, I feel blessed to have this town. Not many other towns offer these things so beautifully.”
Sheridan Brown — “My sister, Mackenzie, was an Azalea Belle, and I remember watching her greet the visitors who came to Tyler for the Azaleas. I remember thinking that I couldn’t wait to follow in her footsteps. Tyler leaves me memories and gratitude that I will always cherish and want to share with others.”
Kiona Burgess — “Tyler means a home, friends and wonderful memories. Living in Tyler has been fantastic. It has allowed me to make friends I can cherish for a lifetime and the memories Tyler has given me are amazing.”
Anna Cannon — “I have lived most of my life in Tyler and I am thankful for its beauty and the opportunity to live in it.”
Christianna Clay — “Exchanging Virginia Beach city life for rural East Texas life, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have discovered Tyler State Park, amazing weather, and most of all, the friendliest people. I feel like I’m home.”
Ceilie Crawford — “Although Tyler is a city, it has a small town atmosphere. It is a beautiful city with lots of trees and I like the brick streets in the downtown area. Tyler Museum of Art, Caldwell Zoo, Tyler Rose Garden and the Azalea Trails help make Tyler an attractive city.”
Victoria Dickson — “Even though I have been able to travel many places, Tyler has always been my home. Anywhere I am in life, Tyler will hold a very special place in my heart, because no matter where I go, or what I do, Tyler is always waiting for me. “
Morgan DuBose — “Tyler is my home. I was born here. I’m proud to be a native of this city with its roses and azaleas! I love the fact that we have so many beautifully restored homes and buildings. The brick streets, the Square and the Azalea District are all things I am proud to point out to visitors”
Victoria Ellis — “Tyler is a secure, warm and welcoming place. I absolutely believe it is beautiful and has great opportunities to offer.”
Kara Fenton — “I have lived in the Tyler area all my life and have always thought of it as a beautiful and friendly city. I am also thrilled it is the Rose Capital of America, and I have the opportunity to represent it in a positive way.”
Hannah Frazier — “I have lived in Tyler most of my life, so to me it means home. It has been a great town to grow up in and I enjoy living here. I love that Tyler is extremely beautiful, especially during the spring, and that it has a lot to offer all kinds of people.”
Samantha Fritz — “Tyler has a small-town atmosphere, but it offers everything that a larger city has to offer. It offers beautiful azaleas and they’re known state-wide. Tyler is a wonderful place to raise and keep a family. Tyler is home …”
Makenzie Gilley — “I was born in Tyler and have been fortunate enough to live in Tyler my entire life. Tyler is a beautiful town that I am so glad to call home. It not only has the benefits of a big city, but still has the beauty of a small town.”
Bonnie Goodwin — “Tyler has been home to myself and seven other siblings for over 11 years. The beautiful scenery, the wonderful people, and the countless opportunities I have gotten to experience over the years has shaped me into who I am today.”
Jewel Kirkendoll — “Tyler … breathe in. Do you smell that? Azaleas in full bloom, Roses in their finest shade of red. Beyond everything you thought, Tyler, like Noonday’s fresh onions, have layers. Peel each back and you find a new, surprising detail you never knew was there. So breathe in … are those just roses, or do they have a story behind them?”
Virginia Leath — “I like the small town feel, but the big city opportunities. I like the history of Tyler, from the brick streets to the Goodman-LeGrand Museum. I enjoy all the museums and historic opportunities, like Camp Ford, the McClendon House and The Smith County Historical Museum and Archives.”
Sarah Grace Lozano — “A sea of faces, a thousand places could never compare to you. City ingenuity meets small-town community offering a sheltered repose. A trip to the past to forget the last turn of the century woes. Your people fulfill their role each year to bring breath into the past, to remind visitors of your standing history amid blooms that fade so fast.”
Sarah Martinez — “Tyler has become more than just a city to me, it’s my home. I love being surrounded by the friendly, close-knit community we have here in Tyler. Even as a little girl, I’ve always admired the beauty of the Azalea Trail and the Rose Queen’s gorgeous gowns.”
Abigail McCall — “I was adopted from China when I was 1 year old. I have grown up in Tyler my whole life and it is an awesome place. The city has some incredible things to do and has been a great place to grow up. The people are awesome, too, who live here.”
Hanna McDonald — “Tyler is the town I have lived in my whole life and I love the history of roses it has. Roses are my favorite flower and my middle name. I always love going to the Rose Garden, it’s my favorite place. When I was little I remember going on the Azalea Trail and meeting the Belles. It was one of the coolest experiences of my childhood.”
Teresa Miller — “I have many good memories of the Discovery Science Place, Bergfeld Park and the East Texas State Fair. I love having photo shoots with my friends on the Azalea Trail. Not only does Tyler have many fun things to do, but it is also an amazing community to be a part of.”
Abigail Moreno — “Tyler is a beautiful, small city. The Rose Garden is very beautiful and so is the Rose Museum. Plus, I think the Azalea Trail is the most beautiful time of year.”
Anna Orr — “To me, Tyler means home. It’s the only place I’ve lived and it’s where I’ve grown up. It’s a place with beauty and love. A place full of caring, compassionate people. Tyler is home, beautiful and perfect.”
Ashley Orr — “Tyler means home. It is the place I have lived all of my life. The memories I have made here are too many to count. Tyler is very close to my heart, so I would love to be able to represent it and inform visitors of its beauty and meaning.”
Heidi Platt — “Tyler, Texas is the place I was born. Tyler is my home and I am very proud to call it that. I have always been in awe of how beautiful and friendly Tyler is. I love the fact that no matter where I go, I can always see someone I know. Tyler isn’t too small and it isn’t too big, it’s just right!”
Hope Rodriguez — “I love Tyler and love representing Tyler! I love the Azalea Trails and the historic homes Tyler holds. I love living somewhere where people come from all over just to see Tyler’s beautiful Azaleas. It gives me pride in where I live. I want people to know that there’s more to Tyler than beautiful Rose Gardens and Azalea Trails.”
Chelsie Sanders — “Tyler’s a place where I grew up, where I’ve been all my life, where I want my family to grow up.”
Audrey Shastid — “Tyler is a wonderful, healthy environment. You can have the kindness and hospitality of a small town, without being too small. It is also full of Christians and home-schoolers. The people here are so kind and polite.”
Cassie Smith — “Tyler, to me, means family. I’ve grown up in Tyler my whole life and I’ve always felt a sense of warmth coming from the community and the people. It is a welcoming environment where everyone is accepted and loved.”
For four weekends, visitors may obtain trail information at the Visitors Information Center at the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, 315 N. Broadway, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5p.m., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays, with the exception of Easter Sunday, March 31st, when it will be closed.
There will also be information available daily at the Rose Garden Center, between the hours of 8am-5pm weekdays, 9am-5pm Saturdays and 1-5pm on Sundays.
For a complimentary visitors guide or Azalea Trail brochure, call (800) 235-5712 or visit the website at www.VisitTyler.com.
