Old trucks drive by during the Texas Rose Festival Parade.

After months of preparation and anticipation, it’s finally time for the 91st Texas Rose Festival.

Several events will be held leading up to the big parade set for Saturday morning.

What is the Texas Rose Festival?

The Texas Rose Festival began in 1933 to celebrate the city of Tyler and its “mascot,” the rose. “Rich in heritage and tradition, the festival offers enchanting ceremonial events – the Queen’s Coronation, Ribbon Cutting and Rose Presentation, the Queen’s Tea, and the Rose Parade – all amidst a backdrop of brilliant roses as vibrant and colorful as the community they represent,” according to TRF.

When and where is the parade?

The parade will start at 9 a.m. Saturday at Front Street and Glenwood Boulevard then follow a route west on Front Street. It will end inside the Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium, 609 Fair Park Dr.

Where can I watch the parade?

In person, anywhere on the east side of the parade route is free. You can also purchase reserved seating tickets for $10 in advance at www.texasrosefestival.com, in-person at the UT Tyler Cowan Center Box Office, 3900 University Blvd., or at the event at the stadium, 400 Fair Park Dr.

To watch the parade on television, you can turn to channel KETK/FOX51 at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Road closures, parking details

At 7 a.m. Saturday, Front Street will close from Palace Avenue to Lyons Avenue. Glenwood Boulevard will close from West Erwin Street to Houston Street. No vehicles will be allowed to drive on or cross Front Street to access parking once the parade starts at 9 a.m.

Handicap parking will be available at Mike Carter Field, and VIP parking will be located in the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center parking lot. Both parking areas can be accessed only via Houston Street.

What’s the full itinerary?

This schedule includes details about all official Texas Rose Festival events, as well as other citywide events available for tourists and residents alike. There are many free events that are open to the public while others require tickets.

Now through Nov. 2

• Tours at the Historic Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday now through Nov. 2 at 624 N. Broadway Ave. in Tyler. Vintage Rose Festival gowns will be on display inside the home and guests can take a stroll on the home’s beautiful grounds. Donations of $3 are suggested. Information: 903-531-1286 or www.goodmanmuseum.com
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  Thursday

  • Texas Rose Festival Rose Display, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rose Garden Center, 420 Rose Park Drive in Tyler. An exquisite display of over 7,000 rose blooms paired with the theme “Fanfare of Festivals.” Free to the public, open for viewing during the Texas Rose Festival.

  Palette of Roses Art Show and Sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rose Garden Center, 420 Rose Park Drive. Admission is free. Information: www.paletteofrosesartleague.com

Friday

• Texas Rose Festival Rose Display, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rose Garden Center,420 Rose Park Drive. Admission is free.
• Palette of Roses Art Show and Sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rose Garden Center, 420 Rose Park Drive. Admission is free. Information: www.paletteofrosesartleague.com
• Texas Rose Festival Men’s Luncheon, 11:15 a.m. featuring a guest speaker at the Cascades of Texas, 4511 Briarwood Rd. Tickets are $50 and up and can be purchased at www.texasrosefestival.com.
• Texas Rose Festival Ladies’ Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at the Green Acres Baptist Church Crosswalk Center, 1607 Troup Hwy., featuring a guest speaker. Tickets can be purchased at www.texasrosefestival.com for $75 and up, and seating is limited.
• Texas Rose Festival Matinee Coronation, 2 p.m. at the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center, 3900 University Blvd. An impressive theatrical experience for visitors of all ages that boasts a unique theme with gorgeous costumes, staging and an intriguing story. Tickets from $15 to $45 at www.texasrosefestival.com or in-person at the UT Tyler Cowan Center Box Office, 3900 University Blvd.
• Texas Rose Festival Evening Coronation, 7 p.m. at the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center, 3900 University Blvd. Tickets from $25 to $85 at www.texasrosefestival.com or in-person at the UT Tyler Cowan Center Box Office, 3900 University Blvd.

Saturday

• Texas Rose Festival Pre-parade Activities, 9 a.m. at the Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium, 609 Fair Park Dr.
• Texas Rose Festival Parade, 9 a.m. going west from Glenwood Boulevard and Front Street, featuring more than 120 parade entries with custom floats for the Queen and her Court, color guards, bands, car clubs, dance teams, Shriners and dignitaries, and more. Viewing on the eastside parade route is free. Reserved seating tickets are available in advance for $10 either in-person at UT Tyler Cowan Center Box Office, 3900 University Blvd., online at www.texasrosefestival.com, or at the event at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium, 400 Fair Park Dr. You can also watch the parade on www.ketk.com or on-air on KETK-FOX51.
• Texas Rose Festival Rose Display, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rose Garden Center, 420 Rose Park Drive. Admission is free.
• Palette of Roses Art Show and Sale, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rose Garden Center, 420 Rose Park Drive. Admission is free.
• Rose Festival Arts and Crafts Fair, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bergfeld Park, 1501 S. College Ave. More than 70 vendors will showcase handmade items such as creative art, jewelry, photography, mixed media, food and more. Free admission at Bergfeld Park, 1510 S. College. Information: 903-531-1214, www.TylerParksAndRec.com.
• Tyler’s Old Rose Open House, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Goodman-LeGrand House, 624 N. Broadway Ave.
• Texas Rose Festival Queen’s Tea, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Rose Garden, 420 Rose Park Dr. The tea is an opportunity to meet the Rose Queen and her Court in their full coronation costumes, while also showcasing the 14-acre Tyler Rose Garden in full bloom. The public is invited to attend and admission is free. Information: www.texasrosefestival.com

Sunday

• Rose Festival Arts and Crafts Fair, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bergfeld Park, 1501 S. College Ave. More than 70 vendors will provide handmade items such as creative art, jewelry, photography, mixed media, food & more. Free admission. Information: 903-531-1214, www.TylerParksAndRec.com.
• Texas Rose Festival Rose Display, noon to 4 p.m. at the Rose Garden Center, 420 Rose Park Drive. Admission is free.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.texasrosefestival.com.