Prayer service, ribbon cutting ushers in 91st Texas Rose Festival weekend

Published 5:20 pm Thursday, October 17, 2024

Against the enchanting backdrop of blooming roses, Queen Miss Frances “Franny” Olivia Faulconer cut the ribbon to launch the 91st Texas Rose Festival during a spirited ceremony and morning prayer service at the Tyler Rose Garden Museum on Thursday morning.

“I am really grateful for this experience and really blessed to be in this position,” said Faulconer, daughter of Mr. Galen Faulconer and the late Dr. Renée’ Yvette Faulconer. “It is such a privilege to be queen of the festival.”

The ceremony attracted a lively crowd of out-of-town guests and community members, all eager to witness the official start of this cherished annual event.

William “Bill” Evans, 2024 Texas Rose Festival Association President, welcomed attendees with enthusiasm, expressing gratitude for their support and participation.

“This is going to be a wonderful festival,” he said. “These next few days are the payoff after many people have spent countless hours of hard work on this, including our executive director Liz Ballard and scores of dedicated volunteers, professionals, and creatives.”

Jonathan Baker, director of student ministries at Marvin Methodist, led the gathering in prayer, followed by Mayor Don Warren delivering a proclamation. Vice President of Rose Activities David Dial introduced Ralph Mangodoza and Madyson Tate as the 2024-25 Rose Scholars.

“These students are our sixth pair of UT Tyler Rose Scholars and after an extensive application … and interview process involving many impressive candidates, these two were chosen to receive a one-year full-ride scholarship at UT Tyler,” Dial said.

As a proud father, he introduced Miss Merritt Elizabeth Dial, Princess of the 91st Texas Rose Festival, who offered her remarks. Dial’s mother is Michelle Flowers Dial.

“I have had a wonderful experience representing our city as the Princess,” Princess Dial told the crowd. “Throughout the years, growing up in the community and watching my family’s involvement, I’ve noticed how the festival brings the community together. I’m also aware of the tremendous role the heritage of the rose industry has played in establishing Tyler as the ‘Rose Capital of America.’”

Faulconer expressed hopes guests would not only enjoy themselves but also learn about Tyler’s rich history.

“We live in a great city … it has the history and heritage as the Rose Capital of America … we process over one-fifth of the world’s commercially sold roses right here in Tyler,” she said.

Faulconer reflected on the honor of being selected to represent her community.

“It has been the thrill of a lifetime to serve this year,” she said. “I have enjoyed this experience beyond words, sharing it with my family and all of you. I am deeply honored to have been invited by Mr. Evans to be the 91st Queen of the Texas Rose Festival. I look forward to greeting each of you over the next three days.”

Also on the Queen’s court is Duchess of the Rose Growers Alice Elizabeth Milton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Carver and Dr. and Mrs. Mark Milton. The Queen, Princess and Duchess of the Rose Growers are accompanied by Ladies-in-Waiting, Duchesses, and all of their escorts, along with the Queen’s Attendants.

Accompanied by Gary Blevins, vocalist Debra Hammons serenaded the Queen with a stirring and personal rendition of The Rose.

“She did an amazing job, it was beautiful (and) really sweet. I definitely recognized my mom there, so that was really special,” said Faulconer, who was 16 when she lost her mother to cancer.

Her mother had been actively involved with the Rose Festival as a dedicated volunteer. The festival’s significance to her mother makes her role as queen very significant.

Evans then provided the introduction to the attendants before closing out the ceremony.

“I want to … express enormous gratitude to the Court, their parents and the countless volunteers that make this event so fun and unique,” he said. “I hope everyone … has a great experience.”

With the ribbon officially cut, the 91st Texas Rose Festival begins. Guests are encouraged to explore the events, engage with the community, and immerse themselves in the rich history of Tyler.